High-Stakes Aviation U.S.-Japan Technology Linkages in Transport Aircraft (1994) / Chapter Skim
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5 Conclusions and Policy Recommendations
5 Conclusions and Policy Recommendations
Pages 74-94
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From page 74... ...
In terms of the economy, it is a major factor in domestic employment and international trade; in terms of security, U.S. airpower has played a major role in strategic nuclear deterrence, and the Gulf War clearly demonstrated the importance of modern, technically advanced aircraft to America's military superiority.
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From page 75... ...
THE JAPANESE AIRCRAFT INDUSTRY Japan is currently a significant player in global aircraft manufacturing. Japanese companies are formidable competitors in a number of aircraft subsystem and component areas.
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From page 76... ...
U.S.-JAPAN TECHNOLOGY LINKAGES The 40-year modem history of cooperation between the United States and Japan in the aircraft, and associated subsystem, industries has been mainly positive for both sides. Japan has used linkages to build its technological and manufacturing capabilities in military and commercial aircraft production.
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From page 77... ...
encouraging mutually beneficial interaction with Japan, 4. ensuring a level playing field for international competition, and 5.
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From page 78... ...
Although greater attention and resources should be devoted to advanced subsonic aircraft, NASA's partnership with industry in high-speed civil transport research should also continue as a high prionty. The Department of Defense aircraft R&D budget for enabling technologies must be maintained at current levels despite overall cuts in the defense budget
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From page 79... ...
Agencies funding aeronautical research at universities should establish a similar committee that incorporates industry input in order to achieve a better focus on work relevant to industry. 2AI1 Advanced Research Projects Agency initiative on "low-cost aircraft" and an Air Force initiative on "lean aircraft manufacturing" are recent examples.
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From page 80... ...
Manufacturing Capabilities In view of the global competitive environment of continuing cost pressures on aircraft manufacturers, U.S. primes and suppliers will have to continually improve manufacturing performance in terms of cost, quality, and delivery to remain competitive.
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From page 81... ...
The Japanese aircraft industry is achieving plant integration in its advanced aircraft manufacturing operations in areas such as composites and metal parts for the FS-X fighter and the 777 transport. The committee commends recent 5Council on Competitiveness, Technology Policy Implementation Assessment 1993, (Washington, D.C.: Council on Competitiveness, 1993)
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From page 82... ...
Effective supplier relations can significantly improve design and manufacturing performance in terms of cost, quality, and cycle time throughout the aircraft manufacturing infrastructure. This is one of the key strengths of the Japanese aircraft industry.
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From page 83... ...
aircraft manufacturing capability, such as carrying prototype aircraft systems and subsystems forward in limited quantity fabrication in order to demonstrate low-cost "manufacturability" in addition to specified performance.8 · The Department of Defense should modify its procurement and R&D funding mechanisms to eliminate current disincentives for long-term primesupplier relationships that enhance quality and lower costs. · As part of a stronger emphasis on technologies that are applicable in the near term and contribute to lowering aircraft and air travel costs, NASA and DOD aircraft-related R&D programs should place a high priority on manufactunng and design processes.
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From page 84... ...
aircraft industry's technology linkages are global, and greater efforts to maximize the benefits of international cooperation should reflect this. Information Management and Technology Benchmarking Competitiveness in high-technology industries such as aircraft depends to a great extent on how quickly products can be brought to market.
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From page 85... ...
The committee believes that while this is mainly a positive trend, it is important that the United States, for national security reasons, retain export controls on a limited number of critical aerospace technologies.~° The committee further believes that outside the few identifiable critical areas covered by export controls, actual negotiations for technology transfer and t°A longer-term reorganization of the system to increase clarity and user friendliness may be necessary, as outlined in the National Research Council report Finding Common Ground~.S. Export Controls in a Changed Global Environment (Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 1991)
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From page 86... ...
This effort led by the private sector could be a valuable resource for companies as they negotiate international technology alliances, the ultimate goal being to expand the data base required to properly value corporate technological assets and to structure international cooperation that brings clear economic and technological benefits to the United States. This could be accomplished by a working subgroup of a new National Aviation Advisory Committee, which is described in greater detail below.
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From page 87... ...
Education and Training American universities and research institutions play mainly a background role in U.S.-Japan linkages in the commercial aircraft industry. Nevertheless, this role can have a crucial impact on moving toward more productive and balanced technology linkages.
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From page 88... ...
· One of the central tasks of a new National Aviation Advisory Committee should be to support U.S. industry decision making in the areas of critical technologies and international technology transfer.
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From page 89... ...
Ensuring a Level Playing Field for International Competition Japan has no formal barriers to aircraft imports, and to this point its industry subsidies have not caused massive distortions of international markets. However, in light of heightened international competition in all segments of the aircraft industry and the inclination of governments to be heavily involved in the development of national industries, U.S.
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From page 90... ...
1ne commllree nas se~;~1 ll(JW Japan's aircraft industry both prime contractors and suppliers works with government to maintain and constantly upgrade skills and technological capabilities. Despite the industry's small size and the fact that Japanese companies are not among the major global players in prime integration, Japanese aircraft manufacturers are well established as key suppliers in the global markets for commercial transports and engines, mainly as partners in programs led by U.S.
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From page 91... ...
The committee considered several alternative mechanisms for developing a shared vision for U.S. aircraft industry development and for providing a continuing focus for the associated tasks identified above (developing investment and R&D incentives, identifying critical technologies, assessing international technology transfer, and developing guidelines for these transfers)
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From page 92... ...
The primary responsiblity of the National Aviation Advisory Committee should be to create and further the implementation of a national vision for aerospace industrial development in the United States. Because of the interagency nature of this responsibility reflected in many of the recommendations above the committee suggests that this group report to the National Economic Council (NEC)
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From page 93... ...
aircraft manufacturers, identifying critical technologies, developing guidelines for international technology transfer, and assessing international technology flows. As part of its mission, the National Aviation Advisory Committee should further the implementation of the other key recommendations made above, including new policies that promote rather than discourage civil-military integration, as well as greater commitment of resources and focus in government R&D programs on product-applicable aerospace technologies.
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From page 94... ...
In order to implement the steps outlined here and provide an ongoing focus for strategy building for the U.S. aircraft industry, the committee recommends an independent National Aviation Advisory Committee be established by the National Economic Council.
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