Competitors in Alliance: Industry Associations, Global Rivalries and Business-Government Relations

(Hardback)

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This work argues that by understanding the historical antecedents and current organisation of industry associations, business and government will better be able to help restructure them and thus assist American industry against foreign competition. Procassini maintains that American associations can and should be reorganised by reviewing and comparing their origins and operations today to similar associations in America's two major trade competitors: Germany and Japan. The author compares US industry associations to those in Germany and Japan in two ways. First, he looks at their past legacies and present mandates; then, with special emphasis on America's major high-tech industries, he analyses their organisation and operation. After a general overview of the past, present and foreseeable future of associations and a detailed study of those in the US, Germany and Japan, he turns to specific industries - aerospace, biotechnology, semiconductors and computer systems - and their trade associations, defining and comparing the characteristics of each. Part Four of the book explores the ways in which associations fail, as well as succeed, in the mission demanded of them today. From this analysis, and the author's extensive experience as a corporation and association executive, emerge a series of recommendations for redefining the associations' mission in today's global economy, and a blueprint for achieving these goals.

Reviews

.,."An excellent job of explaining the historical origins and growth of industry associations in leading organizations, and your arguments for their contributions to enhanced global competitiveness are very persuasive. It is a very well-written, substantive book."-John F. Steiner Professor of Management California State University, Los Angeles
"It is a splendid analysis of the role of the modern trade association operating in the global marketplace."-Murray Weidenbaum Chairman, Center for the Study of American Business Washington University in St. Louis
Competitors in Alliance is the best--one is tempted to say, only--work of its kind, and is invaluable for all who would understand the issues.-Electronic News
"Competitors in Alliance is the best--one is tempted to say, only--work of its kind, and is invaluable for all who would understand the issues."-Electronic News

Author Bio

ANDREW A. PROCASSINI is president of the Semiconductor Industry Association, which is one of the most effective industry associations in the U.S. and the first to represent an industry that has recaptured world leadership from Japan. The author has had broad, high-level international management experience for a variety of major American and foreign corporations in the U.S., Japan, and Germany. He is a frequent speaker on issues related to international trade, technology policy, and global competition.