When a firm transfers complex technology to a foreign client, the buyer usually lacks the skills to assemble, commission and run the technology on its own. The usual entry route in such cases is a contract under which the supplier designs, builds, installs and tests the whole facility and then hands it over ready to operate.

This is a turnkey contract: the client simply "turns the key" and starts production. The contractor bears responsibility for design, engineering, procurement, construction, trial runs and often initial training of local staff. Power plants, refineries, airports and steel mills are typical turnkey projects.

A licensing agreement transfers only the right to use intangible property such as patents, trademarks or know-how in return for royalties; the licensee must build and run the operation itself, so it suits simpler, codifiable technology.

Transfer of technology is the broad, generic process by which knowledge moves from one party to another; it can happen through licensing, joint ventures, FDI or turnkey projects, so it describes the outcome rather than the specific contractual method used for complex systems.

Because international business texts single out the complete-package delivery of an operating facility as the method used for complex technology, the turnkey route is the accepted answer.

Hence, Turnkey Contract.