Technological and structural change in the greek textiles industry

Abstract

This thesis uses the Greek textiles industry to show that technology transfer between industrialised and developing countries is merely one dimension of the broader structure of industrial links between such countries. In that context it would appear that,whatever else may have been transferred to Greece, it has not been technology - in the sense o f a permanently absorbed and dynamic body of technical knowledge. The thesis contains a literature review, where it is argued that the traditional theories of relevance to the issue on the transfer of technology have gradually become superceded. It further shows that there is a need for a dynamic theory explaining the establishment of indigenous technological capacity in developing countries and makes the point that more empirical research is needed on the dynamics of learning processes in these countries. It examines the Greek economy from a general point of view, traces the reasons for its backwardness and points to the fact that many structural defects still remain to be corrected. It is argued that although significant progress has been made in all sectors of its economy, it still relies heavily on foreign capital and technology. The thesis then goes on to explore the textiles industry in a world context. It is shown that the industry is undergoing several radical, structural changes and as a result, many of the factors which attracted the developing countries to this particular industry are being eliminated. Thus, the world textiles industry of today is characterised by an integrated oligopoly of multinational corporations with strong links with final markets and in close collaboration with the textiles machinery sector. The Greek textiles industry is then examined with in this context. It is shown that although it has expanded, it still possesses several structural weaknesses which have their roots in inadequate indigenous technological capacities. It is concluded that under the present circum stances the future of the industry is doubtful if no countervailing action is taken.