Author: Jennifer Tridgell
This paper considers how the binary of North v South has shaped States’ ‘technology transfer’ as it pertains to OSS – and whether this approach is appropriate and effective in democratising access. It does so through a systematic review of extant technology transfer provisions, observing that the divide between North and South in applying ‘technology transfer’ to OSS requires further reflection (and revision) regarding States’ conduct. It also makes the case for how critical it is to move beyond simplistic North v South and State-centric models, especially as OSS is an increasingly widespread transboundary project and it analyses how the language of international law vis-a-vis technology transfer may pay heed to OSS’ distinctive mode of development and operation.