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Evolving rapidly from a mass-produced product orientation to a flexible, solutions-oriented model, the changing manufacturing sector is poised to lead a global economic recovery. Truly an insider's guide to the future of this critical sector, this book provides policy recommendations based on a wealth of information.
Despite the appearance of difficult economic times for U.S. manufacturing, that sector of the American economy is actually the most innovative and competitive in the world. Far from being confined to the tired stereotype of Industrial Age commodities, such as steel and mass-produced consumer products, U.S. manufacturing has long been an engine for growth. In the 1990s, this central role was strengthened as new technology development and application spurred higher levels of growth throughout the economy. In its present configuration, manufacturing includes such high-tech industries as fiberoptics and microchips. Globalization has accelerated the growth of the manufacturing sector by increasing competitive pressures to cut costs and develop new products faster, spreading out the fixed costs of R&D and investment.
Truly an insider's guide to the future of this critical sector, this book provides policy recommendations based on a wealth of information. Evolving rapidly from a mass-produced product orientation to a flexible, solutions-oriented model, the changing manufacturing sector is poised to lead a global economic recovery. But it can do so only if the right policies are in place in the United States. To that end, the editors of this volume recommend fiscal and tort reform, higher educational achievement, and continued deregulation. At the international level, further trade liberalization and steps to reduce the trade deficit are recommended to ensure the staying power of U.S. competitiveness, particularly for technology-intensive industries.
List of contents
List of Illustrations
Preface
Foreword by Robert McTeer
Introduction and Principle Conclusions by Thomas J. Duesterberg
The Transformation of U.S. Manufacturing: A Broad Analytic Framework by Ernest H. Preeg
The Changing Structure of U.S. Manufacturing and Its Labor Force by Daniel J. Meckstroth
The Central Role of New Technology Development and Application by Jeremy A. Leonard
Broadening Value Added to Include "Solutions," Customized Products, and Related Services by Joseph V. Kennedy
New Paradigms for 21st Century Manufacturing and Their Impacts on Automation by Jeffrey F. Werling
The Rapid Globalization of Markets for U.S. Manufacturing by Ernest H. Preeg and Jeffrey F. Werling
The Changing Nature of the Firm by Donald A. Norman
The Engine for Growth in a Global Economy: An Integrated Policy Response by Thomas J. Duesterberg and Ernest H. Preeg
Bibliography
Index
About the author
THOMAS J. DUESTERBERG is President and CEO of Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI Inc. He previously served as Senior Fellow and Director of the Washington, D.C., office of the Hudson Institute. Prior to that he was Assistant Secretary for International Economic Policy at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
ERNEST H. PREEG is Senior Fellow in Trade and Productivity at Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI Inc. Prior to that he was Executive Director, Economic Policy Group, White House Staff, and held the Scholl Chair in International Business at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
