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The agreement to establish a new Technology Mechanism (TM) is one of the concrete outcomes of the Cancun climate change conference (2010) that requires a closer look. Indeed, the mechanism faces many challenges before it can become operational in 2012. The objective of this information note is to shed some light on the main features and functions of the TM and on some of these challenges.

 
The main goal of the mechanism is to enhance action for technology development and transfer, particularly to developing countries, in support of climate change mitigation and adaptation. Thus, the large-scale diffusion of these technologies is pivotal to worldwide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Findings include: 

• overall, the new TM potentially represents a step to move beyond the ‘conventional’ approach to technology transfer under the climate regime
• rather than basing on capacity building and technology needs assessments, new TM gears towards promoting innovation and fostering public-private partnerships
• particularly, it focuses on catalysing the use of technology road maps or action plans, and mobilising national, regional and international technology centers, as well as facilitating joint R&D activities
  

As a result, governments and other stakeholders, especially the private sector, have an important role in ensuring MT success. In addition, the following recommendations are demonstrated: 

• outstanding institutional matters relating to the design of the TM need to be settled 
• the exact manner in which TM main bodies will operate needs to be elaborated
• the mechanism needs to be endowed with sufficient resources if it is to play any meaningful role and make a real difference
  

Achieving these goals would put the mechanism on solid ground in order for it to become an integrated and coherent entity which is flexible in its operations and effective in carrying out its tasks.

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