Technology Cooperation and Assessment
ICC / WBCSD Background document
UN Commission on Sustainable Development
20 April - 1 May 1998

ICC Commission on Environment, 30 January 1998

" There can be no doubt that technology cooperation is important - contributing to all aspects of sustainable development: environmental social and economic...".

1. Introduction

Technology cooperation is an important part of the strategy for sustainable development.

Technology cooperation has been defined as "a process by which two or more parties identify individual and common interests to share information, knowledge, know-how, and managerial skills regarding the utilization of technologies that are more environment friendly, more energy efficient, less resource intense, less polluting and oriented towards recycling in order to contribute to the aim of sustainable development."

Examples of technology cooperation include a partnership between General Electric of the United States and Tungsrum Company, a formally state owned light-bulb maker in Hungary (51% of which is now owned by General Electric). This partnership helped improve the Hungarian company’s environmental performance and brought its quality standards in line with those of the United States and the European Union. Similarly Volkswagen of Germany, through its ownership of Skoda, the Czech car-maker, has helped improve quality, reduce environmental impact, and sa ve what was an ailing business with outdated products.

Technology cooperation includes the machinery and equipment involved in the production process. Even more important however is an understanding of the science and technology, the transmission of skills, know-how and related organizational and institutional arrangements. Technological capacity building, the knowledge and skills that firms need in order to acquire, assimilate, use, maintain, adapt, change and create technology, is an essential dimension of the process.

This document will emphasize the need for technology cooperation in general, the role of business in technology cooperation and the required framework for successful technology cooperation. It will examine in greater detail the agriculture, chemical, non-ferrous metal and oil sectors.

2 The need for technology cooperation

Modern technology usually uses fewer resources than older technology to achieve the same end. It is therefore both more cost effective than older technology and more friendly to the environment.

However, the vast majority of technological research occurs in already developed nations. The research and development of new technologies is expensive, in fact often too expensive for companies and governments in developing nations. For similar reasons companies and governments in developing nations often invest in technology that requires a smaller capital input but which, in the long run, uses more resources and is less environmentally friendly.

Environmentally-friendly production is not a barrier but a pre-requisite for long term economic growth. The consequences of environmental damage on future economic growth can be considerable both in terms of a depletion of primary resources and quality of life. It is therefore in the long-term economic interests of developing nations to find ways of preserving their environment without hindering growth. For similar reasons it is in the long term economic interests of business and industry to ensure not more than the minimum environmental damage compatible with development in the developing world.

Modern technology, which uses fewer resources and is environmentally less damaging, is an obvious way to minimize environmental damage in the developing world. The dilemma with such technology cooperation is how to make investing in modern technology worthwhile for companies and governments in developing countries given the initial cost.

3. The role of business

Traditionally, industrial countries supported technology cooperation through government to government aid finance. Though this form of finance can and does continue to a certain extent, today aid budgets are growing slowly or even declining, and cannot meet the needs of developing countries.

Net Official Development Assistance fell by 14% in real terms between 1992 and 1995. Continuing efforts by industrialized countries to restrict their budget deficits restrict the scope for real increases in aid. In contrast, the flow of private capital is accelerating. In 1992 the flow of foreign direct investment into developing countries was US$50 billion. In 1993 US$80 billion. The respective figures for 1995 and 1996 were US$96 and US$129 billion. Technology cooperation is principally a business to business transaction. It is the private sector that can therefore provide the main impetus for technology cooperation.

The private sector, however, needs an appropriate framework within which to operate. Consequently, ICC and the WBCSD have assigned a high priority to encouraging such frameworks and also partnership between governments, multilateral organizations and the business community, to promote lasting and mutually beneficial technology cooperation.

Furthermore, the partners in the technology transaction need to jointly determine that the technologies chosen are sound and adaptable to the specific needs of the business and country concerned. The governments primary role is to set enabling framework conditions. The mechanisms of the market will then ensure that the private sector selects the optimum technology.

Within this context of technological cooperation based on mutual advantage, the practices of multinational companies in the field of technology cooperation and environmental management are particularly important, as experience shows that the international practices of large multinationals spread to joint venture partners, suppliers, contractors, and governments in developed and developing countries.

4. A framework for technology cooperation

Technology cooperation, if it is to be successful, requires that all the cooperating parties gain from the cooperation, and gain on an ongoing basis. Financial incentives fuel technological innovation. Market forces are therefore the main driving force for the efficient technology cooperation.

Technology cooperation therefore needs an efficient market system that preserves the financial incentives necessary for technological innovation and investment in modern technology. In the developing world this means trade liberalization which frees companies with the technological know-how to invest or cooperate with companies in the countries concerned.

The protection of patents and property rights of the developer is also essential to ensure that funding is available for yet further technological developments. A company will rarely share its technological know-how if it loses control of that know-how as a direct result.Governments should examine whether their existing legal and fiscal structures act as b arriers to discouraging technological cooperation and investment, and where this is the case they should enact measures to replace them with enabling fiscal and other framework conditions.

Above all, modern technology requires a trained workforce. Even the best, most environmentally sound hardware can have a negative impact if misused or mismanaged, or if not supported by the appropriate resources, institutions and infrastructure. Technology cooperation is therefore as much about the transfer of skills as of hardware. This capacity building cannot be achieved without:

• developing a framework for the management of the environmentally friendly technologies;
• identifying possible strategies and priority actions of national, regional and international actors;
• identifying concrete steps towards national capacity building including information programmes for government officials and training of civil servants;
• adequately training the industrial personnel.

Further, integration with locally available technology and the involvement of local skills are essential to reduce costs and to guarantee the continuity of technological cooperation. The role of governments in providing education and, in cooperation with the private sector, opportunities for training are therefore vital.

General Electric provides an example of the importance of skills as part of technology cooperation. In parallel with the transfer of technological hardware to developing countries, General Electric has established many cooperative research and development projects with local businesses and universities. Electric-powered vehicles, battery research, oxygenated fuels, and fuel cells are some of the programmes currently under way in Chinese laboratories. Technology is also being transferred to the Chinese automotive industries via university technology institutes and government/industry-sponsored technology seminars.

Though government has to aid in creating the conditions for technological cooperation each technology transaction must be recognized as unique. Government regulation of technology cooperation or strict definition of environmentally sound technology could stifle innovation and limit access to needed technology.

5. Study - The agri-food industries

Agri-food businesses are key actors in ensuring that food is produced and distributed in a safe, economic and sustainable way in response to consumer demand. The agri-food chain includes companies providing agricultural inputs and raw materials, individual and family farms, cooperative organizations, food processing and transport businesses, small and medium sized enterprises through to multinational corporations. Each has a role in achieving world food security.

The agri-food industry contributes to sustainable agricultural development by

• assuming a continuing role in agricultural research and development
• adopting a growing role in training, capacity-building and technology cooperation
• investing to improve plant va rieties and seeds, stimulate biotechnology, maintain plant nutrition, crop protection and animal health in an integrated approach to farm management
• improving the quality and variety of food and agricultural products
• aiming for closer cooperation and co-ordination among the various sectors of the agri-food chain

5.1 Impact of new technologies on sustainable agricultural development

Case study : plant breeding and biotechnology

The development of new higher yielding plant varieties is an important factor which has contributed to sustainable agriculture and long term food security. Sustaining and improving crop performance requires continuous development of advanced technologies. The transfer of such technologies is a prerequisite for building sustainable and productive agriculture in developing regions. ISAAA activities (International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications), for example, concentrate on building partnerships between the private and public sectors based on the donation of technology as an instrument to build mutual trust and confidence. ISAAA is working with the main agri-biotech companies in the world and has so far developed over a dozen projects in Africa, Asia and South America.

Weeds are a major limiting factor in agriculture in both temperate and tropical countries. To protect their crops, farmers use various herbicides. With the use of biological and genetic technologies, herbicide resistant varieties are being developed which facilitate more effective weeding and a decrease in the use of herbicides.

Another application of biotechnology is the development of insect resistant crops through the insertion of a gene from a bacterium that produces a protein toxic to specific insect pests. Such new technologies will deliver environmental benefits as the quantity of insecticides used will decrease. This in turn will reduce the use of raw materials and energy. For example, in the USA, 4 000 000 pounds of raw material, 1500 barrels of oil and 150 000 gallons of fuel would be saved by the use of transgenic potatoes resistant to Colorado beetle.

Case study: fertilizers and plant nutrition

Fertilizer production is subject to various economic and geographic factors, such as the availability of suitable raw materials and minerals. Fertilizer production capacity in many developing countries is expanding in response to increasing domestic demand. New technologies have been developed and applied to minimize energy consumption and the environmental impact of fertilizer manufacturing processes, together with more efficient handling, transport and distribution systems. For example, energy use in a new amonia plant, using natural gas as feedstock, is 35 GJ/t nitrogen, or half that of the processes prevalent in the early 1960s. Packaging, transport and application require a further 3 to 7 GJ/t N depending on the distance transported, etc.

Until the late 1970s, most industrially produced fertilizer was applied in developed countries. Consumption has now stabilized in these regions but has risen dramatically in developing countries. This trend is likely to continue as population growt h and increasing urbanization causes an escalating demand for food. Land degradation is often caused by over-cultivation and progressive impoverishment through ‘soil nutrient mining’ when nutrients removed by the crops are not replaced.

As the area of additional cultivable land is limited, careful plant nutrient management is an essential component in ensuring sustainable and productive farming systems. The development of more efficient fertilizer products and application techniques is a high priority for the fertilizer industry. The optimization of crop nutrition through the integration of mineral fertilizers with organic sources of plant nutrients will enhance soil fertility, maximize nutrient recycling, improve water retention and reduce losses of nutrients to groundwater and the atmosphere.

Training programmes for extension agents, fertilizer dealers and retailers, who are best placed to give advice on fertilizer use to farmers, are coordinated by the fertilizer industry in many countries and ‘best agricultural practices’ are being developed and shared, particularly in the techniques of Integrated Plant Nutrition (IPN). For more than 30 years the international fertilizer industry has also been a major contributor to many investment, technology and extension programmes in developing countries, often in cooperation with international agencies such as FAO and the World Bank.

Case study: crop protection

The Global Crop Protection Federation, GCPF, (formerly GIFAP) is the recognized world-wide representative of the crop protection industry. It coordinates a network of regional and national associations as well as companies.

The research activities of major crop protection companies focus on developing new crop protection products and services. Their objectives are to develop products with improved properties in respect of, for example, user safety, with regard to the environment or resource efficiency.

New technologies such as biotechnology are being developed together with international agencies and the research community to support the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), promoting the strategic use of biological, chemical and mechanical methods to suppress pathogens to below damaging levels.

During the last six years the crop protection industry has prioritized the concept of safe use of its products, especially in developing countries through its Safe Use Projects. Launched as pilot projects in 1991, in Guatemala, Kenya and Thailand, these projects provide training and education for all users of crop protection products. Special attention has been paid to farmer training. These projects have conveyed continuous improvements in the production, handling, warehouse management, use and disposal of crop protection products. They are also successful examples of capacity building and technology and experience transfer between industry and governments, academia, NGOs and other international organizations. Following successful implementation, these projects are now being extended to neighbouring countries.

6.Study - The chemical industries

The global chemical industry, represented by the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), contributes to the goal of sustainable development. It aims to bal ance environmental, social and economic interests, while fulfilling shareholder's expectations.

The global chemical industry will continue developing and implementing its Responsible Care initiative worldwide. The Responsible Care initiative aims to improve health, safety, environmental performance and achiever higher standards of economic, environmental and social responsibility.

Technology cooperation should therefore involve the highest degree of safety and environmental protection reasonably achievable. The global chemical industry aims for an equivalent level of safety, health and environment protection in both countries and companies supplying and receiving technology. Economies worldwide are influenced towards a sustainable model by a number of factors. These include:

• the cooperation with and transfer to other countries or parties of efficient technologies, together with high environmental, health and safety standards
• comparable standards worldwide, applying to the industry's operations in other countries
• improving education and training and furthering the knowledge of staff and customers by means of training courses

Furthermore, ICCA members share information, knowledge, know-how and managerial skills with business and governments in order to contribute to sustainable development worldwide.

The Latin American Group (LACPA) of the Global Crop Protection Federation (GCPF) initiated Container Management Projects in 17 countries. To continue these projects, national task forces and a regional coordination committee have been established. Their activities include:

• a survey on the existing container management legislations to establish in which countries immediate actions have to be taken
• national container inventories
• advice on a container management legislation
• national action plans
• concrete projects including the "Triple Rinse Campaign" and energy recovery through incineration

The German Verband der Chemischen Industrie (VCI) adopted its own assistance programme "Sustainable Development in Eastern Europe" to support this initiative. Working with national chemical associations and, where appropriate, with government, the VCI is providing:

Czech Republic

• assistance in establishing a chemical transportation emergency response system, similar to the VCI emergency system known by its acronym TUIS. The system was finalized at the beginning of 1997
• assistance in establishing and implementing environmental management systems according to ISO 14001
• advice on energy efficiency improvement to several companies

Hungary

• recommendations on the establishment of a s ystem similar to TUIS
• currently assisting seven companies in the establishment of environmental management systems according to ISO14001

Poland

• Advice on energy efficiency
• Advice on the establishing of a recycling system for industrial plastic packaging

Central European countries face the difficult task of rebuilding their economies and bringing their environmental performance and energy efficiency in line with EU standards. CEFIC has, therefore, initiated a programme, which assists these countries with advice from CEFIC member companies through its Environmental Advisory Service for Technology Transfer (Project EASTT).

A member company of the Canadian Chemical Producer's Association (CCPA) is developing a joint venture with a Chinese company to manufacture sodium chlorate and sodium chlorite in China. This facilitates the development and use of chlorinedioxide pollution prevention technology in the pulp and paper and water treatment chemical markets.

Upon the request from the Indonesian government, a member of the Japan Chemical Industry Association (JCIA) sent its experts in 1995 and 1996 to the industrial park in the suburb of Jakarta. Its mission was to provide small and medium-size local food factories with technical expertise for waste water treatment. With this technical cooperation, they significantly improved the operation of their activated sludge treatment facilities and thereby the environmental performance.

7.Study - The non-ferrous metals industry

The International Council on Metals and the Environment (ICME) was established in 1991 to promote the development and implementation of sound environmental and health policies and practices in the production, use recycling and disposal of metals. ICME is an international organization with member companies from six continents who together represent a major portion of the world’s production of non-ferrous and precious metals. These include companies form both developing and developed countries who recognize that many environmental and health issues are of global concern. ICME provides a focal point for the non-ferrous and precious metals and mining industry to pool its expertise, exchange information and contribute to international discussions on important environmental and health issues.

As a first major step in pursuing a clear and common direction on environmental matters, members endorsed an ICME Environmental Charter against which progress can be viewed. The ICME Charter includes an introductory philosophical perspective within which there are principles relating to environmental stewardship, product stewardship and members’ responsibility to local communities. Among these principles is explicit recognition of the need to promote the international transfer of technologies that mitigate adverse environmental effects and to use technologies and practices that take due account of local cultures and customs and economic and environmental needs. Underpinning the Charter are other principles that cover ethical considerations in communications. ICME’s quarterly newsletter regularly publishes examples of environmental achievements on the part of individual member companies. It is believed that the Charter is an inspiration to other companies in the industry to give a high priority to good environmental practices.

In support of the Charter and its legal mandate, ICME has held a number of conferences and training workshops, both internal for member companies and external for non-member companies and government regulators. Internally, ICME has held workshops to keep members abreast of environmental developments and issues and their implications for corporate practices and policies. For example, workshops were held on comparative corporate environmental systems, managing metal toxicities, economic and market instruments for minimizing environmental damage, among others. The transfer of know-how through conferences like these is an essential part of technology cooperation.

7.1 External events have included the following:

Seminar on Environmental Management held in Almaty, Kazakhstan (August 1994) under the joint sponsorship to the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and BioResources and the ICME. It was attended by 100 Kazakh representatives of government, NGOs, industry and academia. ICME members covered environmental management practices from exploration through to operations, waste treatment and closure as well as technologies that were available. Other presenters were from the UNEP, the Kazakh government and industry associations from the US, Europe and Peru - these speaking about regulatory approaches in their regions. The seminar was held at the request of the government of Kazakhstan which was seeking solutions for the environmental problems associated with their mining and metals sector.

International Conference on Development, Environment and Mining held in Washington, DC (June 1994) was co-sponsored by the World Bank, UNEP, UNTAD and ICME. It brought together 300 senior policy and regulatory representatives from more than 50 countries, more than half of which were from developing countries.

International Workshop on Managing the Risks of Tailings Disposal co-sponsored by ICME and UNEP with the support of the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA). The workshop was attended by regulatory officials and mine practitioners from 27 countries, among which were 15 developing countries. Its purpose was to seek solutions to tailing management problems, notably during construction and management of tailings dams. A number of recommendations were made, many of which are being pursued in 1998.

ICME also operates an extensive publications programme which provides a means for disseminating information on subjects related to the health and environmental effects of mining and production of non-ferrous metals. One such publication entitled ICME-UNEP Case Studies Illustrating Environmental Practices in Mining and Metallurgical Processes compiles examples of environmental management systems, project approval procedures, good operations and techniques, training and education. At the end of each case study, individual contact details are provided for those seeking further information. This document was sent to UNEP regional and representative offices in developing countries around the world for distribution. There are also a number of other ICME publications on environmental issues of current concern to many governments, international agencies and industry. They are written by well-known experts. Example publications include topics on endocrine disruptors, the use of cost-benefit analysis in chemicals management, risk assessment techniques, hazard identification in the aquatic and terrestrial environments, amo ng many others. These publications are in constant demand as they provide useful technical information for policy and regulatory decision makers. Moreover, ICME’s quarterly newsletter is sent free of charge to some 3000 individuals in developing countries.

ICME member companies operate mines and plants around the world, many in developing countries. Employee training programmes form an integral part of operations. In addition, many ICME member companies who operate mines in remote communities provide scholarships and skill-training programmes to local residents. Some have established foundations so that when the mine closes, the community will have opportunities for continuing employment through local business activities assisted by the foundation. Recently, some companies have jointly funded a major training centre in Chile for students to study topics related to mineral resource management.

8. Study - The oil industries

For more than 100 years the oil and gas industry has worked with the peoples and institutions of nations around the world to discover, develop, process and market oil and gas resources. Over the years partnerships have progressively developed to encompass the full range of activities now referred to as technology cooperation and capacity building.

Today the process involves much more than a one-way transfer of technology from developed countries to developing ones. Partnerships have evolved that are today increasingly contributing towards sustainable development. These may involve cooperative agreements for exploration and production of oil and gas and for their processing, distribution and sale in the market place. The most important partnerships have been significant contributors to many nations' efforts to develop their natural resources, improve their communication, transport and health services and create advanced national educational institutions, from which has sprung a skilled work force, supporting industries and local entrepreneurial activity.

Technology cooperation and capacity building cannot occur without trust, long-term commitment and mutual benefits for all partners. The likelihood of maximum benefit to all partners will be greatly facilitated if a number of conditions are met. These include:

• a stable economic system and an attractive investment opportunity for investing partners;
• transparent and equitable legal and financial structure and sound environmental laws;
• realistic expectations from the host country and the communities of the benefits that may result from the partnership;
• a long-term commitment and dedication of resources (by all partners);
• a fair distribution of benefits as a goal (for all partners);
• industry respect for local culture and values;
• a safe and secure working environment (for all employees and contractors); and
• no unnecessary barriers to movement of personnel and materials.

The oil industry has learnt many lessons, reflecting a long history of varying degrees o f success, challenges addressed and problems solved. The oil and gas industry's experiences have contributed to a better understanding of the requirements for successful technology cooperation and capacity building which should include: provision for education and training, respect of the needs of host countries and communities, protection of the environment, and building relationship with stakeholders. The realization of mutual benefit is one of the most important keys to success in technology cooperation and capacity building.

The overriding benefit resulting from successful ventures is the achievement of a sustainable balance between environmental protection and economic and social development. Examples of successful technology cooperation in the oil sector include:

Amoco in Western Siberia - Cooperation between US and Russian enterprises is helping identify means of revegetating areas of Siberia. This effort is part of a broader programme to repair damage that occurred during past Soviet era development of oil and gas resources.

BP in Colombia - A scheme to monitor tropical river systems, and assess the impacts of oil and gas exploration on them, has led simultaneously to scientific innovation and to local capacity building.

Canadian Occidental in Yemen Republic - A partnership approach to developing oil resources in Yemen Republic has improved schools, water and energy supplies, environmental protection and health care in a number of village communities, and provided training for Yemen’s nationals.

Chevron in Papua New Guinea - Papua New Guinea’s oil production is accompanied by innovative plans to protect the environment, improve the well-being of affected people and build up businesses that will thrive after the oil has run out.

Elf Aquitaine in French-speaking countries - A teaching document for 14 to 16 year-olds is providing environmental education throughout the French-speaking world, and is also being used elsewhere as an environmentally-informative means of teaching the French language.

Esso in Malaysia - Development of the petroleum industry in Malaysia is playing an important role in the nation’s drive to become an industrialized nation and meet its "Vision 2020". The industry is working with the government at all levels to help assure that the environmental and economic benefits are fully realized by Malaysians, their communities and the nation.

Imperial Oil in northern Canada - Aboriginal populations in Canada’s remote northern areas, just south of the Arctic Circle, are benefiting from careful planning during the expansion of oil production in the region - top priorities are training, the creation of new businesses and the preservation of traditional lifestyles.

Mobil in Indonesia - Development of the Arun natural gas field in Indonesia has involved training, conservation capacity building and technical cooperation.

PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia - Those responsible for developing Indonesia’s oil and gas resources are playing important roles in developing human resources, protecting the environment and extending the life of finite resources.

Shell in Malaysia - Sophisticated technology is being used in Malaysia to convert natural gas into an exportable liquid fuel, bringing large revenues and new skills to a country that is fast becoming industrialized.

Total in Senegal - The consumption of fuelwood is leading to deforestation and desertification in Senegal. But the introduction of butane as a household fuel promises to help turn the tide.

For further information see IPIECA/UNEP publication " the oil industry experience, technology cooperation and capacity building - contibution to agenda 21 ".

The initiatives these examples describe all contribute to sustainable development by improving the national economies and surrounding communities' quality of life, while also contributing to the long-term business success of the companies involved. They show how improved environmental monitoring and protection, training and education, small business and infrastructure development, better access to basic necessities such as health care and clean water, as well as the creation of major industries, have made this possible. Since the oil industry is highly technology and capital intensive, some case studies include examples of the deployment of sophisticated core technologies, which address key challenges facing the oil industry and society.

9. Conclusions

One of the major lessons to emerge from the study of technology cooperation is that almost every attempt at generalization identifies different and original ways, very much country-specific, of carrying out technology cooperation. Nevertheless, several conclusions can accurately be drawn:

• there can be no doubt that technology cooperation is important - contributing to all aspects of sustainable development: environmental social and economic

• the private sector has an increasing role to play in technology cooperation

• technology cooperation must requires all cooperating parties to gain from the cooperation

• market forces are the main driving force for the efficient introduction and assimilation of technology

• the protection of patents and property rights of the developer is essential

• excessive government regulation of technology cooperation could stifle innovation and limit access to needed technology

• above all, technology cooperation involves cooperation in the transfer of skills and knowledge, not just technological hardware

Business progress to sustainable development
Responsible entrepreneurship
Corporate environmental management tools
Industry and freshwater

ICC Environment Commission

WBCSD

UNCSD

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