INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER IN THE RUSSIAN ECONOMY - THE EFFECT OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT SPILLOVERS

Russia is a transitional economy strongly relying on exports of natural resources. However, the political leadership has acknowledged the need to make Russia more high-tech oriented In the realization of this goal. foreign technology transfer plays a very important role. The paper estimates foreign companies' role in the Russian economy and the potential of Russian economy and local companies to receive positive spillovers from foreign investors. The principal channels of international technology transfer in Russia are studied Traditionally foreign direct investments and spillovers from local affiliates of multinatinational enterprises provide an important and cheap channel of direct technology transfer. Licensing of technology and intellectual property lo an existing business is channel, and is often a preferred option a reach route to market exists. Technology transfer can also happen through international trade. Using Russian and international statistical data, the authors assess the impact of technology transfer in the Russian economy