Computers and other targets; how Japan learns, and wins, even by losing

Article Abstract:

Japanese government involvement with Japan's industries has generated a colossal Japanese computer industry with particular strengths in memory chips, chip-making equipment, flat-panel displays, laser printer engines and optical disks. Japanese market share of the computer industry is forecasted at 42 percent in 1992, up from 10 percent in 1980. US market share is forecasted to erode to 38 percent in 1992, compared with 82 percent in 1980. The US government, generally speaking, avoids involvement in economic matters, but Japanese methods seem to work. So far, Japanese government officials have invested $250 million in their Fifth Generation Project, which involves research into artificial intelligence (AI). The Fifth Generation Project has, itself, not produced much, but it provides experience and researchers for Japan's new push, into the technology of parallel processing.

Industrial policy, Artificial intelligence, Industry regulations, Government regulation of business, Trade regulation, Parallel processing, editorial, Government Regulation

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Japan asks aid on next computers; invitations are sent to U.S. and Europe

Article Abstract:

Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry is at the forefront of an effort to bring in US and European technology corporations and research institutions to work on a ten-year research project to develop advanced computers. Analysts believe the invitation is rooted as much in trade politics and Japan's technological gaps as anything else. The government agency, however, maintains that the computer problems that the research project addresses are of such complexity that only international cooperation can solve them. The initiative, called the Sixth Generation project, poses a problem for US companies. The choice is either to join the Japanese effort, and gain access to the millions of dollars in funds for research involved and to its results, or to concentrate on research that excludes the foreign competition.

Technological forecasting, Industrial research, International trade, Japan. Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Research and Development, Strategic Planning, Future of Computing, Cooperative Agreements

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