International businesses face a difficult task when trying to decide where to place or expand a business that could be located anywhere in the world. Each country is a complex system of human capabilities, technical systems, [infrastructure bases, laws, cultures and economic systems. How can a company know which country is best for it today, and…

In this article, the author presents a truer picture than economic historians have previously had of the economies of Tokugawa Japan, and Britain during the Industrial Revolution. Though substantially different, both societies were prosperous compared to most of the rest of the world. Japan's economic success began in the Tokugawa period…

Knowledge spillovers from universities and other public research institutions (PRIs) are viewed as essential for innovation. Previous studies examining the impact of such spillovers have been confined to the West, and there are no comparable studies using empirical data from Japan that explore the relationship between spillovers from PRIs and…

Points out that one of the most serious problems facing American business is the technical illiteracy of its managers and executives, indicating that few have the skills to solve real-world problems. Comparisons between Japanese and United States executives and their training are provided to illustrate issues considered. (JN)

The key factor for consideration in formulating a long-term, U.S. international trade policy is that many democratic countries have brought government into direct or indirect management of their industrial affairs. As an example, the relationship of government to steel in Japan is analyzed. Business and industry should not be protectionist. (RM)

Describes an approach for measuring industrial technological diversification behavior. Identifies sectoral patterns of Japanese industry as related to diversification behaviors. Delineates the mechanisms and effectiveness of Japanese corporate and government policies relevant to diversification. (ML)

In recent years, United States scholars with an interest in international business and organizational communication have begun to notice the success of Japanese "quality control circles." These are small groups, usually composed of seven to ten workers, who are organized at the production levels within most large Japanese factories. A…

Analyzes and compares Japanese and American industrial policy and labor practices. Proposes that certain aspects of the Japanese system be adapted by American businesses for purpose of increasing international competitiveness. Proposes specific actions and plans for both the Japanese and American systems. (ML)

This report profiles nine economies linked by Asian identity, yet marked by great economic and technological disparity, in order to project which economies will be full-fledged participants and competitors in tomorrow's high-tech product markets. Based on the various indicators of technological activity and competitiveness presented in this…

More than 60 papers presented at the 1987 Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) conference on telecommunications needs, primarily in and around the Pacific region, are included in this volume. Contributions from major industry user groups, governments, developmental institutions, and the small user are represented. Four keynote addresses open…

A fundamental challenge within business organizations (whether manufacturing or service, large or small) is posed by the difficulties associated with managing knowledge to integrate the long-term vision and strategic goals with daily working processes and with people. The traditional Western approach of "Management by Objectives" (MbO)…

A study on leadership, conflict management, research and development (R&D) worker motivation, commitment, and risk-taking propensity in universities compared with corporations and government is presented. It arose from the recognition that R&D in any developed country is critical to the continued well-being of its economy and people, and…

This conference, jointly organised by OECD's Department for Science, Technology and Industry and the Italian Ministry for Innovation and Technology, was attended by approximately 350 representatives from industry, academia and government. Rapporteurs presented summaries in terms of issues and areas where there was agreement and/or convergence…