Evaluation frameworks for technology transfer projects: Lessons from Japan's global growth of medical technologies initiatives in low- and middle-income countries

抄録

Understanding the evaluation framework for assessing the outcomes of projects following complex technology transfer processes is limited. Therefore, we conducted a study to develop and investigate the validity of performance indicators of the technology transfer process. The performance indicators, consisting of ten indicators each for "health technology" and "health products", were developed using the Delphi method and a relationship diagram was generated. To examine validity, correlations between indicators were analyzed using a questionnaire regarding the essential factors influencing health technology and product transfer. A mutual contributory relationship between indicators related to health technology and products may exist. One of the factors promoting technology transfer was projects lasting three or more years, although no significant correlation was detected between other public support utilization and performance indicators. However, the indicators do not fully cover the technology transfer process, such as the pathway to procurement of "health products." Future research is necessary to improve performance indicators through on-site investigations.