Revolution in three-quarter time: Lessons from the diffusion of advanced manufacturing technologies

This paper reviews the rates of diffusions in advanced industrialized countries of a selection of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) including computer-aided design, robotics and flexible manufacturing systems. It examines the trends developing in the use of these technologies and evidence that different 'models' of practice can be observed between Japan, the USA and Europe. The paper discusses the principal factors influencing the diffusion of AMT's and the range of benefits perceived by the firms through their use. Despite their rapid diffusion, there is concern that the expected benefits from invstment in AMTs is rarely achieved. The paper suggests that the problem of achieving full benefits from these technologies is related to the extent of integration of technologies achieved, which requires a significant degree of organizational learning and development by firms.