Theodor Leuenberger - Böcker

Access to science and technology worldwide is achieved by active participation in open international scientific research, as well as through technological capability that is decisive in catching up with world developments in science and technology. In other words, it is the "national system of innovation" which determines a country's assimilation capacity. The universities, research institutions, the technological infrastructure, industrial training schemes, information networks and technical institutions in general provide the foundation for a solid, steady development. Therefore policies directed toward strengthening the national system of innovation are essential for a catching-up strategy. But even more important is the presence of skilled and experienced people with the necessary connections to the scientific and technological infrastructure of the world at large. this applies to China in particular. Whether or not the technological potential will be developed, depends on the technological and industrial strategies promoted by the Chinese leadership. In addition, the costs and benefits of technological development are affected by the prevalent evolutionary stage of a country's political framework and fiscal regime. There must be a strong coordination between overall economic policies and technology policy. A sucessful management of technology is only possible through a "technological package" including management, financial and marketing skills.

Competition and cooperation between Japan, Europe and USA isthe key issue of this book - both at government and businesslevels. Both short-term and long-termin competitivecooperation between Western and Japanese firms andinstitutions can be fruitful. Cooperation however, providesno easy solutions to problems which Western economies havebeen unable to solve on their own. Governments as well ascompanies are often unprepared for cooperation with Japanwithin the framework of larger-scale projects. On theotherhand, Japan itself still lacks the leadership capacities tomatch its present economic and technological dominance. Thusthe Japanese strategyfor a Number Two role in cooperationwith the USA and the EC is described. The discussion focuseson the implications of US/Japanese relations for Europe. Itfurther highlights future relations between the US and Japanin the field of technology, and also deals with the EC/Japancontext.