The document discusses using free and open source (FOS) as a technology transfer (TT) tool in the Arab world. It outlines some key issues with innovation and TT in the region like lack of funding and links between research and industry. It then presents FOS as a potential low-cost TT model that could help by facilitating cooperation and knowledge sharing between different actors. Some benefits identified are minimizing costs, risks and brain drain while expanding access to knowledge resources. However, the document also notes there are still challenges to adopting FOS in the Arab world like weak ICT infrastructure and lack of FOS expertise and community. It concludes that strategic plans, social values of sharing and rewarding participation will be important to leverage FOS for

1. Free Open Source as Technology Transfer tool in the Arab world Jamil Khatib

2. Contents Introduction Technology Transfer (TT) Free Open Source (FOS) FOS TT Model FOS TT in the Arab world Conclusions/Recommendations

3. Arab World

4. Arab world Innovation System Source: multiple sources available in the text

5. Major Problems Absence of National ICT R&D funding Technology industry based on import & use (No development) Lack of links between Research/Education and industry Brain Drain

6. Core Questions The study will discuss the Effectiveness of FOS related processes to improve the cooperation between the industry and Research institutes in the Arab world What can be learned from FOS for technology transfer in the Arab world?

7. Contents Introduction Technology Transfer (TT) Free Open Source (FOS) FOS TT Model FOS TT in the Arab world Conclusions/Recommendations

8. Technology Transfer (TT) “ The conventional conception of technology transfer is that it is a processes through which the results of basic and applied research are put into use by receptors” (Rogers, 2003, p.150) TT main Factors Industry Science Relation Knowledge and Know-how component Multi-way of information flow Industry ↔ Research

9. Approaches Source: (OECD,2000,p.165) “ Innovation and transfer are recognized to be complex social activities with communication processes at the core of them” (Hodgson, 2002, p.1).

10. Some TT Measures / effectiveness Shared licenses, publications & contracts Clear rewards system for cooperation Direct Contact with knowledge holders

11. Contents Introduction Technology Transfer (TT) Free Open Source (FOS) FOS TT Model FOS TT in the Arab world Conclusions/Recommendations

12. FOS (Software) philosophy Cheap software + community of volunteers Freedom to Use Redistribute Information Access (open source code) Develop, Modify and Improve Joining/leaving the development Source FSF and OSI

13. FOS characteristics FOS models Software Electronics Hardware Contents Social activities with sharing culture Decentralized Development Users’ feedback integrity IP rights  Copyright

14. Community Internet based Network of developers & users Common interest Users are co-developers and testers Informal and lightweight management

15. FOS Process characteristics Release early and often Transparency & Trust Shared testing and development Feedback and discussion (users and developers)

16. Evaluation Development vs. Users Observability Indicators Project completion Size and shape of the community Social trust building Community Knowledge creation Interaction (Bugs reporting and fixes)

17. Motivations / Internal factors Knowledge sharing Recognition among peers Learning and skills development Self satisfaction and fulfillment through achievments

18. Motivations / External incentives Governments Costs control Free access to new information Developers Increase personal value (self marketing) Better future positions

19. Motivations / External incentives Industry User Involvement in project definition Cost reduction  (R&D and support) Direct Channels with users Access to external knowledge and skills Special Business models

20. Contents Introduction Technology Transfer (TT) Free Open Source (FOS) FOS TT Model FOS TT in the Arab world Conclusions/Recommendations

21. “ A substantial part of technology transfer occurs outside the technology transfer market itself. That is technical knowledge spreads internationally by noncommercial forms means, and it may even be transmitted free of charge .” (UNIDO, 1996, p.21)

22. FOS TT shared concepts TT FOS Knowledge movement Main component Motivator Direct interaction Effective TT Development Style Free info access Speed up Main concept Feedback/ multi-way Needed Within community

23. TT FOS Adoption Direct FOS adoption Common research problem for large participants Common communication infrastructure Open membership (all levels) Early release/share of information/results

24. Advantages & incentives Early publication with commercialization More information for startups Smaller Firms Resource sharing

25. Measures Diversity of participants Community size Size and quality of exchanged information Knowledge created

26. Contents Introduction Technology Transfer (TT) Free Open Source (FOS) FOS TT Model FOS TT in the Arab world Conclusions/Recommendations

27. FOS in the Arab world Still in infancy stage Small community Focus on use and Translation not development No clear national strategies for FOS Lack of promotion to FOS products Lack of knowledge of existence

28. Arab world TT No (weak) links between industry & uni. Curricula based on international unis. Researches based on personal objectives Weak research cooperation with outside

29. FOS developing countries Local research and innovation promotion No reliance on external support or fund New sources of information Leverage the local skills Minimize investment risks (Dravis,2003, pp.20–22)

30. FOS TT Advantages Low cost tool No need for special Institute Transaction cost Short adoption time Informal communication/ No bureaucracy Wider network of knowledge sources Brain Drain effect minimization

31. Advantages for Arab world Unemployment effect minimization Uni. (No industry cooperation)  FOS International recognition of researchers investment risk minimization (ready products) Cost minimization through Sharing Business model (minimum R&D based)

32. Difficulties Weak ICT infrastructure Weak knowledge in FOS Small FOS community Culture of low degree of general freedom

33. Conclusions Time & speed efficiency Need for strategic plans & policies Social values in education & industry Valuing individual participations (Reward system) Freedom Sharing

34. Thanks for your time and interest