TECHNOLOGY AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER: A CASE STUDY OF THE LIBYAN OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY

The goal of this research is to investigate the importance of technology and knowledge transfer in the oil and gas industry in Libya. It explores the key characteristics and behaviour associated with the foreign companies who are in a position to transfer a substantial amount of knowledge and technology to local partners. This research also aims at exploring the technology and knowledge processes, their significance and how transfers occur. The aim is to identify the most efficient and effective strategies and policies to support local partners. Further, it examines the nature of the transfer, showing the main barriers which might be faced by both parties. Data for this research were collected via two main methods: questionnaires and interviews (unstructured interviews). Two types of questionnaire were prepared for this study. The first type was specifically written for use with the Libyan nationals, while the second was designed for the foreign personnel in the comp oil and gas industry in Libya. Each type of questionnaire was designed to seek different types of information. Unstructured interviews were also conducted with various individuals where ore qualitative information was obtained. The research findings indicate that both closed technology and tacit knowledge have become very important factors for the rapid development of companies. However, this study found that neither closed technology nor tacit knowledge was transferred widely to the oil and gas industry in Libya. It was discovered that tacit knowledge is held within the individuals, it is the skill that adds wealth to the value and significance of knowlwledge; it is also acquired via dialogue, discussion and exchange of ideas. However, the transfer of tacit knowledge is often difficult because of its nature.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo