In 2004, the Expert Group on Technology Transfer and the UNFCCC secretariat worked with the United Nations Development Programme to prepare the first Handbook for conducting technology needs assessments for climate change. The handbook supported the preparation of technology needs assessments by developing countries which have stimulated a wide range of technology transfer initiatives in developing countries. To share best practices and lessons learned with conducting technology needs assessments and to identify specific needs and practical actions that could assist Parties in implementing the results of TNAs, a workshop on best practices with conducting TNAs was organized.
The workshop provided an opportunity for countries' experts to exchange views with representatives from the private sector in particular the financial community on possible ways to enhance access to funding for the implementation of the results of TNAs. In this context, regional training sessions on project development are being conducted for participants from developing countries utilizing a UNFCCC guidebook for preparing technology transfer projects for financing.
Lessons learnt from the workshop have been drawn upon in developing this updated Handbook on technology needs assessments for climate change. The updated Handbook provides a more detailed framework for the development and implementation of technology needs assessments and in particular in the development of technology programmes and strategies in developing countries. It also seeks to support capacity building and to help with the establishment of the enabling environments for technology transfer.
The publication of this handbook is the result of the dedicated efforts of all those involved in its production, the United Nations Development Programme and the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in collaboration with the Expert Group on Technology Transfer and numerous practitioners engaged in the development of technology transfer projects in developing countries.