Michael Borrus

International production networks in Asia : rivalry or riches?

This book provides one of the first detailed case studies of international production networks and the integration of electronics industries across the Asia-Pacific region. International production networks are defined as the inter and intra-firm relationships through which the firm organizes the entire range of its business activities: from research and development (RD the network integration of Singapore and Malaysia.

Globalization With Borders

In an era in which the electronics sector is the driving industry in the economy, “Wintelism” is the codeword used in this article to reflect a shift in competitive dynamics away from final assembly and vertical market control, towards a struggle over setting and evolving de facto product standards at any point in the value chain. It is argued that “Wintelism” has its origins in the American high-technology sector, but is now diffusing through the creation of international production networks.

Information networks and competitive advantage: issues for government policy and corporate strategy

As the competitive environment changes network technologies become increasingly important to the achievement of corporate strategic objectives. Even in more stable markets environments, the intensive use of telecommunications networks can produce a broad range of benefits. To make these gains requires the seamless interweaving of telecommunications capabilities and business activities. Very few companies are near to implementing this network–strategy ideal.

Chip Wars: Can the U.S. Regain Its Advantage in Microelectronics?

Over the last decade, the United States has lost its once dominant position in the critical microelectronics industry to Japan. The success of Japanese companies in this industry has been a result of both Japanese public policy and the Japanese domestic market structure. Unless U.S. firms are able to gain access to Japan9s domestic market, the U.S. will continue to find themselves at a disadvantage in international competition. The United States urgently needs to develop an aggressive but coherent industrial policy that will insure an open global economy.

From Failure to Fortune? European Electronics in a Changing World Economy:

European industrial policy for high technology must be reformulated. First, past support of producers over users has undermined producers by not creating a sophisticated market, the single most powerful industrial policy tool. Second, global trade and investment are regionalizing. Policies aimed at rejuvenating sectors such as electronics must consider that regionalization will make access to technology and markets increasingly asymmetrical. The concepts of supply base and architecture of supply clarify this understanding. Europe must not just refocus domestic support but also secure access to the supply bases of the other two regions, America and Asia.

Industrial Policy and International Competition in High Technology

A trio of essays on how current U.S. trade policies and the management of R&D in high technology are providing an edge to Japan in international competition. Specific policy actions are necessary to control Japan9s current ability to block capital formation in the U.S. and get the upper hand in international trade at the expense of American high tech industries.

HDTV is the slogan, high volume-high tech is the issue

High-definition television (HDTV) is a central concern for US business and policy: US high-tech preeminence cannot be sustained without participation in high-volume markets for high-technology products. High-volume markets are increasingly driving sophisticated component quality and cost, which threatens even the ability of preeminent US computer companies to control their own technological destiny. The US failure to participate in high-volume, high-tech markets carries several risks that intensify as high-volume products become ever more sophisticated. It is argued that, before embarking on an ad-hoc HDTV policy that is uncoordinated with other needs, US policy makers ought to consider the underlying problem. An American HDTV initiative should be only one small part of a more comprehensive infrastructure strategy.<<ETX>>