An Adaptable Conceptual Model for Construction Technology Transfer: The BRI in Africa, the Case of Ethiopia

Zahra Abdulhadi Shukra, Ying Zhou and Lingling Wang
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Zahra Abdulhadi Shukra: Civil & Hydraulics Engineering School, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Ying Zhou: Civil & Hydraulics Engineering School, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Lingling Wang: Civil & Hydraulics Engineering School, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 6, 1-19

Abstract: Unlike other developmental relationships, BRI is the most promising icon in transforming the construction industry and built environment in Africa; the infrastructure developments like highways, bridges, skyscrapers, and aviation take in advanced construction technologies, methods, and skills. However, the technological capability of Chinese construction firms is not transferred in the highest capacity to the host countries. Nevertheless, the main focus is on delivering modern railways, highways, and skyscrapers. Thus, this research aimed to propose an adaptable technology transfer model by identifying the theoretical concepts in the body of knowledge, exploring the prior technology transfer models and the best experiences. The findings indicated that the BRI inclusive countries in Africa benefit from infrastructure development with an investment amount of more than US$33 billion with potential technology spillovers, but in an unplanned, and not best suited to their conditions because of the lack of a single-country-based technology, transfer model ahead of project implementation. Using a systems thinking approach and a causal loop diagram tool, the authors created a conceptual model to guide the Africa’s construction technology transfer through BRI. The research also examined case study projects in Ethiopia to assert the new model’s practicability over the existing processes. Moreover, the university–industry linkage structures, can facilitate the process through R&D and innovation in the whole project life cycle.

Keywords: Africa; Belt and Road Initiative; construction technology transfer; Ethiopia; technology transfer model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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