Technology transfer (TT) is a crucial issue for economic actors and public institutions. It is a means of building new economic activities through the exchange of skills (knowledge, know-how and interpersonal skills) between different structures. Technology transfer of this type encourages firms to innovate and improve their capabilities by adapting more quickly to global technological developments. TT can take place through several channels, of which multinational companies (MNCs) are the main one. Based on an in-depth literature review, this article brings together theories relating to the explanation of the phenomenon of technology transfer by MNFs, as well as the results of empirical studies carried out in this field. It constitutes a colossal theoretical base for researchers working on the subject, enabling them to position themselves appropriately with the theory that suits their problems.