Innovation in production : the adoption and impacts of new manufacturing concepts in German industry ; with 6 tables

How industrial companies in Germany's critically important investment goods sector are deploying new technological and organizational production concepts to adapt to competitiveness challenges, new market requirements, environment¤al demands, and policy pressures is examined in this book. It draws on the Fraunhofer ISI's unique nationwide survey of technology use and production in Germany. East German as well as West German data is analyzed. Readers will ga¤in fresh insights about the diffusion of new production concepts, the interaction of process and product innovations, and subsequent effects on productivity, employment, work flexibility, and the business performance of German ind¤ustry. Implications for business strategy, public policy, and ongoing research into technology diffusion are considered.