The main goal of this research proposal is to study the role of technology transfer and migration of skilled personnel in technological change processes within the Spanish colonies, especially Cuba, circa 1820-1898. As there is a lack of systematic and long-term studies on this topic, the project findings will thus contribute to the:
1) understanding of international technology interactions and their consequences on economic development within colonial territories;
2) understanding of the influence of foreign technician and technologies on colonial innovation systems;
3) assessing of external factors and IPRs in the modernization process of countries with a colonial past, which is still a current issue.
Thus, in the proposed project we intend to concentrate on the study of the role of the Spanish colonies in the technological interactions over the course of the 19th century. In order to achieve our goals we will identify and analyse concrete cases of technology transfer and skilled personnel displacements. Eventually, we expect this research to enhance the knowledge of the historical functioning of the international technological system and its flows.