Global Shakeout

In today's world a significant product breakthrough in one country can and usually will be reproduced throughout the world within the space of three to four years - a speed of competitive reaction that is quite unparalleled in economic history. The book explains the wider implications of global "fads" such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (masterminded in the US, supplied by a Hong Kong company relying on mainland Chinese factories). Competition is increasing with companies far beyond national boundaries and the problems too are international. If there is over-capacity in the world car industry, for example, cutbacks will swathe across whole continents. No country can stand on one side; competition forces progress whether a country wants to participate or not. This book provides an analysis of today's struggle for global survival, including chapters on technology, liberalization and deregulation.