The Integrated Manufacturing System (IMS), Group Technology, Numerical Control, and Computer Aided Design (CAD) were four outstanding innovations that were one-time milestones of scientific industrial management. This book describes the expectations and disappointments of the common pitfalls of these ingenious ideas, which leads to understanding of their gradual disappearing, and proposes a way to restore these methods for long term utility and value. The first three innovations dominated the industry till the mid-1970s. Surprisingly, the reason for them being replaced is the same: research of the “routine” was misleading regardless of its ingenuity. In the fourth case, CAD does not support CAPP (Computer Aided Process Planning) and thus Numerical Control could no longer support developments of a system such as a flexible and automated factory. However, they incorporate many features in a specific resource instead within a manufacturing system. CAD technology and machining centers remain remarkable as a specific (unique) manufacturing resource. This work proposes ways to revive these innovations for the future. Innovation is a driver for the development of new products and production methods. It should be an integral part of a system and not pursued for its own sake. This volume shows, explains, and remedies this by treating these interesting examples.

First Published in 1997. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

First published in 1997. Massive technological development has changed the face of industry drammatically. This text provides an analysis of the trends and dynamics of innovation in industry. It has been updated with recent statistical information and examples. A new section explores the debate surrounding macroeconomics in an analysis of the impact of globalization on industrial change. This book covers such topics as: the rise of science-related technology; innovations and the firms; macroeconomics of innovation; and innovation and public policies.

Behind the rhetoric of `intervention' and `deregulation' which has accompanied state attempts to stimulate technological innovation in the last decade is secreted a story of failed ambitions, confusion, muddle and incoherence. Techno-industrial innovation does make demands on the state, not only in terms of new industries, but also in regard to the inter-relation of industrial and R&D policy and the creation of markets. This book provides a comparative analysis of techno-industrial innovation in Europe, Japan and the USA. Drawing on case studies ranging from the semi-conductor to the biotechnology industries, the book presents a comprehensive and detailed survey of national strategies for the internal and world markets and sets them in their political context, where `the costs may be high and the pay-offs uncertain'.

"You don't have to look far before you bump into the innovation imperative. It leaps out at you from a thousand mission statements and strategy documents, each stressing how important innovation is to 'our customers/our shareholders/our business/our future and most often, our survival and growth'. Innovation shouts from advertisements for products ranging from hairspray to hospital care. It nestles deep in the heart of our history books, pointing out how far and for how long it has shaped our lives. And it is on the lips of every politician, recognizing that our lifestyles are constantly shaped and reshaped by the process of innovation"--

'The topic is important and neglected and has major implications for the types of industrial policy that make any sense in transition countries. The clear message of this book is that protective science and technology policies would, for the most part, be a total waste of money. What is needed now is internationalization and a demand-driven approach, exactly the opposite of the former nationally based and supply-led systems existing under socialism.' - Paul Hare, Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, UK 'Here is a book that goes beyond the abstractions and platitudes of conventional "transition economics" to look at what is really happening on the ground in the post-socialist countries of Eastern Europe . . . The Globalization of Industry and Innovation in Eastern Europe presents a provocative but richly documented assessment of the central dynamic issues facing the East European economies today.' - David Dyker, SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research, University of Sussex, UK In this important book, industrial and enterprise reform over the last decade in Eastern Europe is critically reviewed in light of increasing Eastern integration into the global economy. The authors argue for the further globalization of Eastern European enterprise networks as a condition for recovery and growth in the region. Empirical evidence is provided from five industrial sectors (car industry, telecommunication, shipbuilding, computers, software), including case studies and international comparisons.