Export rules for computers are softened: President ties easing of sale of high-tech goods to ending of Cold War

Article Abstract:

Pres George Bush lifts prohibitions against the sale of advanced computer systems and other technological products to former Soviet-bloc nations. Bush noted that changes in the strategic environment of the region and the beginnings of democracy in former communist nations makes the sales possible. One change is the elimination of licensing requirements for almost all high-tech products sold to Western Europe, Australia, Japan and other nations that cooperate with the US in controlling shipments of goods to unstable or unfriendly nations. Additionally, it will be easier for US firms to ship multiple products to foreign destinations under a single license. Items that will still require government licenses before being shipped to Eastern Europe are supercomputers, night-vision equipment and equipment that can be utilized to make nuclear weapons. US computer industry leaders welcome Bush's actions, saying that it is time to open up the market to Eastern Europe.

Executive offices, Computer industry, International aspects, Eastern Europe, Activism, Political protest, Technology transfer, Security, Government, Political Issue, Europe, Eastern

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White House, reversing policy under pressure, begins to pick high-tech winners and losers

Article Abstract:

The Bush administration continues to advocate free-market economics, but the administration is actually beginning to shift its policies. The White House is backing programs in Congress to subsidize various technologies, including supercomputers, software, electric cars, biotechnologies and materials-processing industries. According to one observer: 'There's an industrial policy; it's just disguised.' The administration's policy change reflects pressure from both businessmen and Congress, and it reflects fears that the US is losing out in competitions with Europe and Japan. The White House needs to find a way to help the nation's industries, but the way must be 'politically correct.' So far, technologies that are in the early stages of their development, requiring years of work, seem acceptable, but technologies that are nearly ready for commercialization are not.

Laws, regulations and rules, Economics, United States economic conditions, Industrial policy, International competition (Economics), International markets, Free enterprise, Strategic Planning, Japanese Competition, Foreign Competition, World Market

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Panel urges civilian technology agency to help U.S. manufacturers regain edge

Article Abstract:

The US Office of Technology Assessment, a congressional agency, recommends creation of a civilian technology agency as a way to help US manufacturers regain their competitive edge in global markets. The agency's report will strengthen the arguments of those who advocate closer government-industry cooperation in strategic fields such as semiconductors and high-definition television (HDTV). Sen Donald Riegle (D., MI), chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, endorses the report, saying that a 'Team America approach' could work again as it did earlier in the space program. The Bush administration disagrees, asserting that a direct government role in the economy smacks of 'industrial policy.' The government, cautions the administration, is not smart enough to 'pick winners or losers.'

Admin. of general economic programs, Reports, Industrial research, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Manufacturing, Technology, Consortia, Research and Development, Government Agency, National Government, United States. Office of Technology Assessment, Consortium, Kane, Sanford L., Riegle, Donald W.

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