The role of technology transfer for the development of a local wind component industry in Chile

This paper contributes to the debate about climate change technology transfer by analysing barriers and enablers for a Chilean company starting up the production of wind blades. Literature on the role of technology transfer for the development and deployment of local renewable energy technologies in developing countries often refers to success stories in Brazil, India and China. Instead, this case study highlights the different challenges faced by smaller emerging economies. The paper argues that successful technology transfer in a smaller economy like Chile requires: a minimum internal demand and access to regional markets to attract foreign knowledge providers; a focus in the types of technologies where the recipient country or company have a competitive advantage; and active learning processes by the recipient company. Lessons are drawn for improving the design and implementation of technology-push and market-pull policies in small or medium emerging economies.

► We analyse the case of a Chilean company starting up wind blades production.
► Technology transfer is required as the relevant knowledge is not available in the country.
► We examine the factors that enable technology transfer to draw policy conclusions.
► We highlight the particularities of medium sized developing countries.