Globalizing Customer Solutions: The Enlightened Confluence of Technology, Innovation, Trade, and Investment

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In the last half of the 20th Century, the world economy has benefited from a globalization process driven by the enlightened confluence of technology, innovation, trade and foreign direct investment. This book broadens our understanding of that process. Opening with a review of current global economic metrics and the significant differences between advanced and developing nations, the book goes on to discuss the globalization paradigm and the forces driving it. Disucssing the importance of new ideas and new technology in continued economic growth, the volume shows how the protection of intellectual property encourages innovation. Also covering the evolution of international trade, the book reviews trade distortions from both external and internal sources, comparing trade on a multilateral, non-discriminatory basis with alternative trade practices, such as free trade and custom unions. The work also reviews the origins and functions of the new World Trade Organization. Describing the rapidly growing practice of foreign direct investment, the book shows how FDI is closely linked to international trade and concludes with a review of the important function FDI can play in the bundling and delivery of the resources required for accelerated economic development of the emerging world.

Reviews

"Ed Fitzgerald brings to this important topic 50 years of business knowledge and leadership. Globalizing Customer Solutions deftly lays out a new model of competition, where innovation and conspicuous customer solution' will be minimum requirements for market entrance and participation. A valuable tool...as the global economy enters a new millennium."-Ambassador Carla Hills Chairman and CEO Hills and Company Former United States Trade Representative
"Ed Fitzgerald convincingly argues that global enterprises can best serve themselves and society at large by operating in free and unimpeded markets--while emphasizing the need to recognize concerns surrounding the environment and labor standards in developing countries. He sees these as challenges that enlightened business leaders have the responsibility to address if they expect markets to remain open."-Clifton R. Wharton former Deputy Secretary of State and former Chairman TIAA-CREF
"In response to recent backlash against globalization, Globalizing Customer Solutions offers a balanced, rational portrayal of today's dynamic economy and what it means to do business in it. It traces the significant strides we've made in the last 50 years in trade, investment, and innovation--and emphasizes what we stand to lose by turning inward."-Edward Kangas Chairman, Global Board of Directors Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Author Bio

EDMUND B. FITZGERALD is Managing Director of Woodmont Associates in Nashville, TN, and an Adjunct Professor at Vanderbilt University.