Technology key to productivity, growth
By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 1/1/2000
James H. Keyes, new chairman of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) will focus his term on raising awareness among lawmakers, the media, and the general public about how technology is driving productivity and economic growth."To continue the economic success we've been enjoying, to maintain high levels of productivity and product quality," says Keyes, "we need public policies at the federal and state levels that support what I like to call the "four t's" of economic growth--lower taxes, advanced technology, expanded trade, and continuous workforce training."
According to Keyes, rises in U.S. productivity are attributable to new technologies such as just-in-time production, supply chain automation, and electronic data interchange (EDI).
"Manufacturing has accounted for one-third of the U.S. economic growth over the past decade," says Keyes. "The fact that manufacturing employees contribute only about 18% of the total hours Americans work every year underscores how manufacturing has become the nation's engine for productivity."
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