Computers, Inc

by Anchordoguy, Marie

• ISBN13: 9780674156302
• ISBN10: 0674156307
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1989-10-10
• Publisher: Harvard Univ Council on East Asian

Summary

This account of efforts to build a domestic Japanese computer industry is enlivened with quotations from industrial leaders commenting on the stages through which Japan has emerged as a world-class competitor.In the late 1950s, Japan was still relying on IBM and other foreign suppliers. After the decision to enter the computer field, the government used protectionism, financial aid, and cooperative R&D projects to assist firms in developing hardware and improving their technology. The establishment of a quasi-public computer rental company to carry the burden of financing rentals played a key role in helping fledgling firms compete with IBM.Anchordoguy shows how government intervention in the market avoided the risks of technological sluggishness by encouraging keen competition among domestic computer firms. She traces the growth of Japanese computer hardware to Japan's position as an exporter of mainframes and describes some of the problems encountered in producing software. This study provides a clear example of the way in which governmentindustry cooperation has enhanced Japan's position in the world market.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Market-Conforming Policies

Changing Competition to Favor Domestic Firms, 1957-1969

Increasing Supply and Demand: The Japan Electronic Computer Company (JECC)

Strength Through Concentration, 1970-1975

Leapfrogging IBM? 1976 to the Present

Cooperation and Competition for Competetive Advantage

Notes

Appendixes

Bibliography

Index

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