Technology acquisition and technology learning in banking industry: Lessons from Nigerian banking sector

Firms’ ability to effectively exploit technologies acquired is largely hinged on their technology learning capabilities. However, most firms in developing countries that acquire technology lacks sufficient skills to effectively acquire, learn and exploit acquired technologies. The objective of this study is to assess technology acquisition and technology learning in Nigeria’s commercial banks. The paper also considered the impact of technology learning on the technological performance of the banks. The study sampled 18 out of 21 commercial banks in Nigeria and responses were gotten from 14 banks. As a sample, 112 questionnaires were administered with a 54.5% response rate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regression model, and results shows that the surveyed banks acquired various types of technology but with less emphasis on the know-how (tacit) aspect of technology. Banks engagement in technology learning activity such as perform in-house R&D was about 50%. About 50.8% of the respondent had attended training on technology duplication, improvement and development. The study suggests that banks should lay more emphasis on acquiring the know-how aspect of technology, and engage more internal R&D to boost their technology learning capability since technology learning have impact on the technological performance of banks. Key words: Technology acquisition, technology learning, technology, learning, technological performance.