Japanese technological advance: Problems of evaluation

Japan no longer rests its manufacturing excellence on borrowed technology. There is clear evidence of creativity and pioneering advance in indigenous Japanese science and technology; the defence-related areas are a major example. It is flourishing under determined government support, as seen in the technopolis concept and the State's attitude to small and medium-sized industries. Ian Gow raises the warning cone of Japanese threat to European technological competitiveness. It will be increased if bilateral transfer of technology increases between the USA and Japan. The remedies are to monitor the Japanese more closely and collaborate. The latter will bring net benefit to Europe.