7.3 Comments

There exist many different possibilities for FCR knowhow transfer. On the diagrams below we set out four ways of knowhow transfer which are applicable to most situations.

A. The most widely used way so far

This is certainly the cheapest, but also the most risky way of knowhow transfer and planning of FCR production, since there exists neither professional nor follow-up support and assistance in this method. Nil or insufficient knowledge of recent and improved methods and technical rationale, no competent troubleshooting if problems occur and a lack of continued technical service and support are the main reasons which indicate that this method should be avoided in most cases in the future.

In the past and in the present this way of knowhow transfer has led to misunderstandings and in consequence to deficient manufacturing and application of FCR products in many cases.

B. A good way for Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) and public Institutions.

This method permits establishment of FCR project on a solid basis. Competent initial planning and professional training are combined with continued technical support and troubleshooting.

This way of knowhow transfer needs financial investment for planning, professional training and monitoring. Higher efficiency of production and marketing as well as better quality of the FCR products should pay back this Investment within a short time.

C. A good way for self-help initiatives.

This is the method which requires the least amount of financial Investment, still offering a rather good basis for planning and professional training. The main risk factor is that the continued support depends much of the initiative of the project director: he has to contact the regional centre to get the information and help he needs. Monitoring and continued technical assistance are not institutionalized.

This method will work well if the project director is an active person and If the regional centre is well established and can offer prompt and efficient help if required and if problems occur in a production plant.

D. A good way for commercial entrepreneurs.

The private entrepreneur has to be an active person anyway if he wants to be successful. That is why he does not depend so much on institutionalized support. But he still needs competent technical advice if problems too difficult to overcome by himself occur. Therefore he needs a regional centre he can contact and ask for help. He should be able to contact by his own initiative the regional centre or the equipment supplier to get the help he needs.

Decision making

The decision makers in the aid agencies and on the Job need better Instruments. Therefore we would have to prepare a checkilst and recommendations for the decision makers In an easy-to-understand form. By answering the checklist the potential FCR producer should be able to find out whether to undertake a FCR project or not.

“Knowhow transfer package”

This package may include the following items:

Regional centres.

When we consider the findings of this report, the establishment of regional centres which promote the FCR technology and knowhow and which guarantee continued technical support, appears to be essential if this technology Is to become successful In the long range.

In a midterm range these regional centres should be supported financially and technically from outside aid agencies. In the long term, competition and improved technical standards as well as profitable marketing of the FCR products should allow the self-support of the regional centres.