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Journal Name: Prometheus, Volume 4, Number 2, December 1986
Contents
Papers
Korean Industrial Policy
by J. L. Enos
Abstract:
Industrialisation needs to be nourished by means of industrial policy. This paper examines the Korean experience, reporting on the course of industrialisation, the choice of technology, the structure of industry, and the application of controls. The effectiveness of industrial actions in Korea is compared with that in other developing countries. The paper concludes by inferring the principles that have directed the Korean process of industrialisation: maximising the rate of growth of capacity in industry, maintaining a reasonably stable distribution of disposable income, domesticating industry, retaining control over the allocation of investment, regulating both the structure of each industry and the conduct of its constituent firms, and atomising extra-government power.
Keywords:
Korea, industrial policy, industrialisation, joint ventures, jaebul, choice of technology
On the Potential, Requirements and Limitations of Information Technology in Manufacturing
by Bela Gold
Abstract:
Recent and prospective advances in information technology have generated growing interest in its potential. To its enthusiastic promoters, information technology is a "good thing" and hence more is obviously better. But increasing experience with information technology during the past twenty years emphasises that it covers a wide variety of capabilities, absorbs substantial resources and affects operations in other important ways. Hence, to ensure effective exploration and utilisation of information technology, management must assess its potential contributions, requirements and costs, as well as other significant effects.
Keywords:
information technology, manufacturing, computers, robots, computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, computer-integrated management.
Organisational Hazards in Biotechnology - Towards a New Risk Assessment Program
by Ditta Bartels
Abstract:
Great progress in the field of recombinant DNA technology has masked concern about the safety of the procedures involved. It seems that those carrying out oncogene research using these techniques may be exposed to considerable danger of contracting cancer. A thorough program to assess the risks involved is required to replace the complacency of ignorance which now exist, and it is required before rather than after damage is done.
Keywords:
oncogenes, risk assessment, recombinant DNA technology, genetic engineering
Technology and Public Choice: Strategies for Technological Control and the Selection of Technologies
by R. J. Badham
Abstract:
Despite a dramatic growth in interest in technology over the last two decades, this has not resulted in a clear understanding of either the nature of technological change or the basis for its regulation. Part of the problem is the ambiguous heritage of science, technology and society studies which rose to prominence in the 1970s. This paper seeks to provide a theoretical scheme for categorising the commonly used models of technological change: to outline the limitation of "technocratic" and "technophobic" approaches to technology and social development and argue for the superiority of an explicitly "technochoice" approach; and to discuss the dominant models for the public control of technology.
Keywords:
technology, technological change, models, regulation, "technochoice" approach
The Australian Government Offsets Program
by Peter Liesch
Abstract:
The Australian government offsets program has been in place since 1970, but until recently, with the publication of the report of the Committee of Review on Offsets, it has operated with little public scrutiny and has attracted little academic interest. This is a program aimed at the manufacturing sector in Australia, with a view to increasing Australian firms' participation in internationally competitive activities. Issues posed as requiring investigation include: the protection aspects of offsets, their efficacy in transferring technologies from overseas suppliers of government funded purchases, the question of economic integration and the countertrade dimension of offsets.
Keywords:
defence offsets, civil offsets, technology transfer, protection, economic integration, countertrade
Industrial and Technological Policies in Postwar Western Europe
by Colin Aislabie
Abstract:
The structuralist thinking that generates industry and technology policies does not arise in a vacuum since all economic policies have structuralist implications. As economic policies change over time, so do the structuralist implications that can be drawn from them. An examination of specific major postwar Western European economic policies reveals that they do tend to influence the nature of industry and technology policies. But these industry and technology policies don not provide simple recipes for changing the industrial mix so that it is relevant to contemporary economic policy goals.
Keywords:
Industry policy, technology policy, Western Europe, economic policy, economic structure, industry ranking, economic planning.
Electronic Technology and Management Information in Agriculture
by S. R. Harrison
Abstract:
Recent developments in electronic technology offer possibilities for management information systems in agriculture, which differ radically from traditional information sources. This paper illustrates how all the elements are now available for an integrated farm office workstation, allowing financial planning and control, livestock and paddock database management, access to large commercial databases, an electronic selling of produce, baking and communications, Although the outlay required for this new technology is small relative to plant and equipment items, adoption by the Australian farming community has been slow. It is argued that the rate of diffusion has been limited more by educational and psychological factors than by the adequacy and cost effectiveness of the new technology. Government and industry initiatives to promote adoption are reviewed.
Keywords:
electronic technology, management information systems, agriculture, diffusion, policy measures
Let the Ignorant Consumer Beware: Consumer Information and Efficiency of Consumer Decision Making in the USA
by Richard Widdows
Abstract:
Although many of the institutions which make up the modern economy pour out data which they hope will be used by consumers in their decision on what to consumer, consumers still are regarded by some commentators as "ignorant" when they make those decisions. Two main reasons are postulated, involving the cost of search and requirements for efficient data management. The policy implications are then assessed and the need for leadership in consumer information policy expressed. Finally, the way higher education can help fill the policy gap is briefly explored.
Keywords:
consumer, information, higher education, costs of search, data management, USA
(This journal is available online: http://www.tandf.co.uk/online.html)
Posted with permission from the publisher.
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