Industries transcend national boundaries

Companies in automaking, TV, and superconductors are used to exemplify how manufacturing processes, R&D alliances, and government policies are advancing competitiveness in borderless economies. The phenomenal rise of worldwide productivity growth, spurred by big retooling investments since 1982 and by designing products for ease of production, is examined. The lead that Europe and Japan have over the United States in modernizing their factories is discussed. Manufacturing practices in the US, Europe, and Japan are compared. The impact of the increasingly global nature of these industries is noted.<
>