Open Source: The Next Big Thing In Technology Transfer to Developing Nations

Free Open Source (FOS) should be one of the least expensive and most effective solutions for technology and knowledge transfer to developing nations. This concept has diffused to several fields such as software, hardware, and content. FOS offers not only a low cost alternative for technology acquisition, but also for networking based on cooperation. In addition, the transaction costs of communication, licensing and negotiations are minimized, freeing up funds for real development. In this paper, FOS incentives, indicators, and measures are explained and the advantages of FOS as a viable technology and knowledge transfer tool for developing countries are highlighted.