Can sustainable development be facilitated through regime-based preventative technology transfer?

Abstract

This International Relations study examines the relationship between sustainable development and preventative technology transfer. Specifically, the focus is on whether preventative environmental regimes (facilitating organisations) are significant in sustainable development. [n contrast to other studies, the question is considered whether a regime's facilitation mode provides stakeholders additional capacity to deal with the complexities of preventative technology transfer. A regime's facilitation mode may enhance stakeholder co-operation in a way that is conducive to sustainable development. Additionally, the question is deliberated whether equilibrium in the facilitation mode permits a regime to modify collective behaviour for improved sustainable development results. Using communication theoretical analysis in a comparative case study of two preventative technology transfer regimes for the period 1998-2004, evidence is found of an association between regime facilitation mode and sustainable development outcomes. Indeed, the comparative case evidence indicates that regime facilitation mode outdoes regime sphere and composition. Moreover, it is suggested that equilibrium in the facil itation mode may be a decisive factor in the significance of a regime.