Beyond the Spinoff: Military and Commercial Technologies in a Changing World

In the past the USA has relied upon spinoff from its massive defence research and development spending to enrich commercial technology. In an era when US industry enjoyed a commanding lead over its international competitors, such spinoff was thought to be enough. But in today’s globally competitive economy, a more direct approach is better suited to the needs of commercial markets. This book examines how the government and the private sector can boost America’s technological competitiveness and how the two influence each others’ technical activities. In a rapidly changing world, the authors argue, there needs to be critical reappraisal of traditional relationships between the military and industry. This book, which includes data, industry-specific case studies and analysis aims to offer such an appraisal. It should be of interest and value to technology managers and policy-makers in industry and government, as well as those concerned with technological and economic competitiveness.