ABSTRACT
Interest in government policies supporting technological advance is worldwide and an important part of the current discussion is concerned with "high-technology" industries. High-technology industries are seen as providing the cutting edge for competitiveness and trade performance in the international arena. The National Science Foundation's Division of International Programs, which has a long-standing interest in international comparisons of science and technology policies, was a co-sponsor. For instance, in the United States heated debate is going on about the problems concerning US collaboration in high-technology with other countries. Competition, internal or with foreign firms, was also seen as critical to the development of strong high-technology industries. Competition was seen as promoting both technological advancement and production efficiency. Japan is opening up its markets to some extent. India and Mexico are liberalizing constrictive technology import policies. New foundations will emerge for high-technology leadership primarily through the important changes going on in how to view competitiveness.
