Technology Needs Assessments 

The CTI provides technical assistance to selected countries carrying out technology needs assessments (TNA).  It also collaborates with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on technology needs assessment methods training, including workshops.  The CTI also develops and disseminates relevant materials and information on lessons learned.  The CTI’s objectives include advancing the development and use of coherent, and integrated, approaches to conducting technology needs assessments among developing and transition countries.  Activities in this area support the development of a flexible methodology for conducting technology needs assessments that can respond effectively to circumstances and priorities of the particular country.  Such activities are carried out in partnership with multilateral organisations, country partners and the private sector.

Unique conditions in every country rule out any generic approach to technology transfer.  Country circumstances differ widely, and steps, sectors and options that apply in some countries may be inappropriate in others.  This diversity of circumstance is often captured in the expression ‘one size does not fit all’. However, there are many steps and considerations that are common to all, and an approach can be designed, as far as is practicable, to be modified and adapted to suit a given country’s circumstances.

Specific activities include:

• Capacity building for technology needs assessments (TNAs); 
• Technical assistance to countries carrying out needs assessments;
• Development of methodological approaches to technology needs assessments in partnership with relevant international organisations and the private business and financial sectors;
• Exchange of experiences about successful approaches to conducting technology needs assessments; and,
• Facilitating interaction between governments, agencies and relevant public and private international organisations on TNAs.