This paper by Christopher Pollitt, a professor of public management, explores the nature of knowledge and its transferability in public management reform across different countries and contexts. Pollitt argues that successful techniques or organizational structures that work in one place may fail in another, emphasizing the context-dependent nature of effective practices. He highlights the increasing prominence of international management "trade," where ideas and practices are shared and adopted globally, but notes that such transfers are often complex and problematic. The paper discusses the challenges of transferring management technologies, including their complexity, the need for context-specific understanding, and the influence of institutional and cultural differences. Pollitt also addresses the role of international consultants, the importance of local knowledge, and the limitations of assuming that management knowledge is universally applicable. He concludes with a call for caution and a need to combine technical expertise with functional and contextual awareness to ensure successful public management reforms.This paper by Christopher Pollitt, a professor of public management, explores the nature of knowledge and its transferability in public management reform across different countries and contexts. Pollitt argues that successful techniques or organizational structures that work in one place may fail in another, emphasizing the context-dependent nature of effective practices. He highlights the increasing prominence of international management "trade," where ideas and practices are shared and adopted globally, but notes that such transfers are often complex and problematic. The paper discusses the challenges of transferring management technologies, including their complexity, the need for context-specific understanding, and the influence of institutional and cultural differences. Pollitt also addresses the role of international consultants, the importance of local knowledge, and the limitations of assuming that management knowledge is universally applicable. He concludes with a call for caution and a need to combine technical expertise with functional and contextual awareness to ensure successful public management reforms.