In the real world, the development of the printing press led to rapid information sharing among societies. I propose that once you have the printing press tech, the game changes as follows: 

 

The existing tech osmosis event is modified in the following ways: 

1. Have it proc if you are influential on their territory or they are influential on yours

2. Instead of gold, give it the same options as when contributing to a wonder (i.e. giving influence, money or leverage to the tech leader)

3. Have it happen far more often