Manufacturers depend on innovation in both products and processes to keep them at the forefront in the global marketplace. In fact, innovation no longer constitutes a competitive edge; it's the ante just to get into the game.
Although engineering has been, and in many cases continues to be, a rewarding career, some respondents to my August editorial say it has become much less attractive in recent years.
Amid mediocre scores on international science tests by U.S. students, and predictions of future shortages of scientists and engineers, policy makers have recently awakened and begun requiring more science courses in U.S. schools.
By 2020 or sooner, it is expected that there will be 1 billion cars and light trucks on the road. That's 25 percent more vehicles than we have today-one for every 6 1/2 people on the planet-says Joseph B. White, Detroit Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal.
Innovation is an imperative for every company doing business in the global marketplace. How well are U.S. companies doing at innovation? The results of the third annual Leading Innovations Competition, conducted by strategy+business Booz Allen Hamilton (Tysons Corner, VA) suggest that U.S. companies are doing quite well.
The Custom Automated Systems Group (CASG) consists of companies that serve the automation needs of U.S. manufacturers by producing custom-built assembly and test systems, material removal systems, and material forming and joining systems.