Inward Technology Transfer and Competitiveness: The Role of National Innovation Systems with a Special Focus to the Ethiopian Air Force

Abstract

This paper examines the role of national innovation systems in the inward transfer of technology that has underpinned the transformation of ETAF capacity in recent decades. The ETAF capacities that have benefited most from inward technology transfer have national innovation systems that have strengthened their 'national absorptive capacity and competitiveness. This study's scope was limited to channels of technology transfer and the role NIS in ETAF East Shoa, Bishoftu/Harer meda. Cross- sectional survey research design was adopted, the unit of analysis was purposively selected and data were collected from 80 respondents of Ethiopian Air Force in east shoa, Bishoftu through a validated questionnaire was established and the data was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The research was assessed the inward technology transfer channels. The results showed that the joint ventures and licensing are the most important and appropriate channels of technology transfer. The study's findings show national innovation system, positively affects inward technology transfers and competitiveness. The study recommended that The Ethiopian government to improve its national innovation system (NIS) by accurately defining the role of the government and the interaction and linkages among the main actors NIS.