AbstractIn this paper the technological balance of payments (TBP) is considered as an indicator of international technology transfer.A description is given of the procedures currently used in Italy for the statistical recording of currency transactions related to TBP and to non-connected technical assistance, together with the results of a survey to evaluate the technological content of the data survey operations and to propose modifications to the survey questionnaire. The data on the Italian and OECD countries TBP are analyzed.There is a discussion of the modifications made by the Italian Exchange Office to the statistical survey method, and of the recommendations contained in the TBP Manual used by the OECD for enhancing data compatibility at the international level. Lastly, several observations are made concerning the impact of methodological changes and the opening up of European markets on the capacity of TBP to provide satisfactory indications regarding technology transfer.