The diffusion of flexible manufacturing systems in Japan, Europe and the United States

Article Abstract:

A cross-sectional study of diffusion rates for flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) is made usingdata from Japan, Western Europe and the United States. FMS are fully programmable production systems that produce a range of different products withthe least manual intervention, made possible by a materials handling system that moves parts across workstations. An econometric model is used to show thatimitation or diffusion rates of FMS differ across countries according to the date of first use and its profitability. This rate of diffusion has been slow since FMS only makes a 10% improvement over the minimum rate of return. In the US particularly, these minimum rates are even higher, thus underlying the slow diffusion of FMS relative to Japan and Western Europe.

International aspects, Flexible manufacturing systems, Diffusion of innovations

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The speed and cost of industrial innovation in Japan and the United States: external vs. internal technology

Article Abstract:

Research on the differences between United States and Japanese firms regarding innovation cost and time is presented. Japanese seem to have an advantage in innovations in industries such as machinery but they have a disadvantage in others such as chemicals. Japanese are better at making innovations based on external technologies than internal technologies. Japanese firms invest more of their innovation funds into manufacturing equipment while US companies invest more in marketing startup.

United States, Analysis, Innovations, Japan, Machinery, Industrial research, Chemical industry, Technological innovations, Marketing research, Market research

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Patents and innovation: an empirical study

Article Abstract:

The article examines the effect a lack of protection on patents would have on the development and introduction of inventions. A random study is made of 100 U.S. manufacturing companies, with the new research presented. The patent process represents the basic U.S. policy on technological innovation. As a result, the patent process is crucial to economists, managers, and scientists.

Inventions, Patents

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