Global R&D for a 21st century manufacturing system

A 1989 Japanese proposal for joint international research programs to develop an intelligent manufacturing system is discussed. Following initial negative reaction in the United States and Europe, representatives of the European Community (EC) and the US Department of Commerce met to compare reactions to the proposal and to set a course of action. As a result, both organizations are now offering counterproposals, and Japan has revised its proposal to take at least some of the US and EC concerns into account. The US and EC counterproposals are outlined, and Japan´s counterproposal is summarized. Attempts are underway to resolve differences to the satisfaction of all three parties.<>