| Abstract: | There is a growing demand for Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuit technology in all facets: Process know-how, design skilss, knowledge of the market. The market for solid state technology is expanding exponentially through conversion of older electromechanical and linear applications to digital solid state technology and through totally new electronic applications. There is a trend for a few countries (U.S., Japan, France) to monopolize more and more of the world-wide industry as technology pushes forward. Still, developing countries and even some modern countries want to acquire a VLSI capability for national prestige or strategic military purposes and this guarantees the opportunistic sales of technology to uneducated customers. This presents a problem for both the seller and buyer. This paper discusses the successes and failures of this class of technology transfer, the price, the pitfalls and the actual process. |
