Analysing Japanese High Technologies: The Techno-paradigm Shift - Tapa dura

Reseña del editor

With the emergence of "high-technology", various changes are occurring in the whole framework of science and technology policy. These changes may be referred to as "paradigm shift". This shift is rendering obsolete the policy arguments of science and technology which have hitherto been common sense in theories of business administration and international relations. This book presents an empirical analysis of the diffusion of Japanese high technologies. It is often thought that the Japanese socioeconomic system leads to its international competitiveness even in high technology areas. Is this because the Japanese built a unique socioeconomic system which is efficient in producing civilian high technologies, or is it because the existing Japanese system happens to fit the newly emerging techno-paradigm? Fumio Kodama formulates the characteristics of high technologies by generalizing individual Japanese experiences. The book is divided into six categories: definitional aspect of manufacturing companies; technological basis for business; innovation pattern; research and development activities; technology utilization; and process of technology development. In each category, conceptual description comes first. Then, empirical and statistical evidences are shown in details, using recent Japanese experiences. It is concluded by policy implications.