Working with Japan to revitalise US industry

It is noted that, during the post World War II period, Japan has moved from a nation that was largely dependent on foreign (US) technology to one that is demonstrating advanced SandT (science and technology) achievements. To the extent that people in the US have recognized the economic and SandT challenges coming from Japan, the situation has largely been perceived in a confrontational context. In spite of these perceptions, there is room for the US to exploit more fully the opportunities that have arisen in Japan. These opportunities offer the potential to improve the US SandT base, and to learn how to expedite the process of the commercialization of products, thus increasing US competitive prospects. It is suggested that, even if all of the available research opportunities to work in Japan were utilized, it would make good sense for the US to change the type of burden-sharing it repeatedly requests from the Japanese. Rather than continuously trying to persuade the Japanese to spend more on their military, the US should shift its focus and stress the need for increased spending by Japan to support more research stays there for Americans.<>