The Role of Government

Automation and increased productivity must be encouraged in the United States to the fullest extent if its eco nomic growth and position in the world is to be maintained. Evidence is mounting, however, that the private sector of the economy, particularly management, labor, and education, cannot successfully cope with all the complex problems that technological change and automation have been causing. It is vital to minimize the effects of this growing technology on the individual and upon the established means of production. For the individual, the effect has tended to be unemployment, caused by lack of skills and training. For the physical means of production, the effect has tended to be decreasing industrial productivity, caused by obsolete and obsolescent technology and administrative concepts. High employment and full pro duction and purchasing power cannot be achieved in the United States today without special and co-ordinating assistance on a national scale. Only government can provide the final im petus and over-all impact necessary to accomplish this. Initial steps have been taken.