The adoption of new technology in the American machinery industry

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Abstract
Rees J., Briggs R. and Oakey R. (1984) The adoption of new technology in the American machinery industry, Reg. Studies 18, 489–504. This study examines the spread of a number of key production technologies among machinery manufacturers across the United States. Based on a mail and interview survey of over 600 industrial plants across the country, it was found that adoption rates for these innovations varied by industrial sector, organizational status of plants, age and size of plants as well as by region and metropolitan characteristics of plants. The findings suggest that policy makers interested in nurturing small businesses should consider technical assistance strategies that encourage the spread of innovation among firms, and that high priority be given to labour training programmes in local economic development strategies. At the federal level this study also suggests that the innovation potential of Manufacturing Belt companies should not be overlooked in any new initiatives to encourage economic recovery.