Suchergebnisse

The performance of the technological leaders of different Asian economies has been very impressive. Each of them has to keep improving its policies and the supporting skill and institutional base, since each is entering into the most difficult competitive areas of manufacturing where sheer technological and skill superiority, flexibility and speed count rather than just manufacturing capability. This paper describes the characteristics of the Asian economies, their size, growth, productivity levels, export orientation, and importance of foreign direct investments, as well as the qualitative basis for their competitive success. The paper goes on to examine the level and needs of human resources in terms of schooling, level of basic education, vocational training and in-firm training. The levels of research and development and some striking examples of policy tools oriented toward skill enhancement are also dis cussed. An assessment of the maturing process, the weaknesses as well as the possible future orientations of each group of countries is done. Whereas the old Tigers seem well on their way toward maturing, the newer Tigers, which have been quite success ful in creating efficient production structures, need to abandon their largely passive and dependent approach and follow a more active 'innovation culture' in industry. China and India need to resolve their serious production and infrastructure diffi culties rather than technology development.