According OECD definition and guidelines of European Commission, [2] the Technical Cooperation (TC) is often associated with actions aimed at strengthening individual and organisational capacity by providing expertise (short and long term Technical Assistance (TA) personnel, institutional twinning arrangements, mobilisation of diaspora, etc.), training and related learning opportunities (peer exchange, tertiary education, etc.), and equipment.
Technical cooperation (assistance) is a form of capacity building support given to developing countries by international organizations and its agencies, individual governments, foundations, and philanthropic institutions. Its object is to provide those countries with the expertise and the technology needed to promote development and reforms.
Technical Assistance (TA) refers to the personnel involved in the implementation and the management of technical cooperation services. Technical assistance may involve sending experts into the field to teach skills and to help solve problems in their areas of specialization. Conversely, scholarships, study tours, or seminars in developed countries may be offered too, giving individuals from developing nations the opportunity to learn technologies and special skills that they can apply when they return home.
Many governments furnish technical assistance to depressed urban or rural localities or needy groups within their borders.
[2] European Commission, 2008, Reforming Technical Cooperation and Project Implementation Units for External Aid provided by the European Commission: A Backbone Strategy, EuropeAid, Directorate E, European Commission.