Introduction Low carbon technology transfer to developing countries has a central role to play in mitigating carbon emissions. It is a key issue for the international negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The promise of access to low carbon technologies was an important incentive for developing nations to support the UNFCCC in 1992. Although the Convention was intended to facilitate low carbon technology transfer, its success in achieving this has been limited, Many developing nations have expressed frustration that their expectations have not been met. Policybriefng Low Carbon Technology Transfer: Lessons from India and China Key messages • Low carbon technology transfer is an essential component of the UNFCCC negotiations. However, it should be analysed and supported as a component of wider processes of low carbon innovation in developing countries. • Supporting low carbon innovation capabilities in developing countries is crucial. Such capabilities mean that frms and other organisations are better placed to operate and maintain low carbon technologies, to innovate through ‘learning by doing’, and to adapt technologies for local circumstances and markets. • A ‘one size fts all’ approach to low carbon innovation in developing countries would not be supported by the evidence. There are huge differences between different low carbon technologies and different developing countries which support a more tailored approach. • Developing country policies and incentives are needed to complement stronger international action on fnance and technological innovation – e.g. to support the development of national innovation systems and to create local markets. Sussex Energy Group Jim Watson, Rob Byrne, David Ockwell and Michele Stua, Sussex Energy Group and Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research SPRU, University of Sussex, UK Alex Mallett, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada Number 9 November 10 brought to you by CORE View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk provided by Sussex Research Online