The Region's Growing Strength in Research, Science and Technology: A Special Series of Financial Times Reports, Analysis and Interviews



By Financial Times, September 2005



This special report draws on the experience and expertise of specialist Financial Times resporters and commentators to assess Asia?s performance and prowess in science and technology. Their exclusive interviews and access to decision makers provides the most incisive and comprehensive assessment of one of the most important determinants of future corporate competitiveness.



The Financial Times (FT) is an international business newspaper printed on distinctivesalmon pink broadsheet paper. Its circulation is one of the world's highest among financial newspapers.



Forward:



Perceptions of research, science and technology in Asia are frequently dominated

by images of imitation, reverse engineering or the tactical purchase of essential processes or products.



But just as the strength and scale of expansion in many of the region?s largest economies ? notably China and India ? have surprised pundits, so the rapid development of research and technology is rewriting conventional wisdom.



Investment in basic science and research in Asia by both the public and private sector has seen a significant increase in capabilities, raising the prospect of an Asian challenge in knowledge-based industries as well as manufacturing efficiency.In parallel, Asia?s technological rise presents western multinationals with opportunities and challenges relating to the location and organisation of research facilities.



Many Asian companies have been moving up the value chain, from manufacturing to design and development. And while fundamental science and research is still dominated by the US and Europe, much of this research is conducted by Asian scientists, increasing numbers of whom are returning home. Asian corporates and research institutes are also making significant inroads in specific sectors.



The recent announcement that a team of South Korean scientists had cloned human embryos and cloned stem cells from some of them was just one case in point. But it served as a reminder of Asia?s research prowess and potential.



There is, of course, no uniform pattern. The diversity of the region is reflected in technical and scientific capabilities. Korea?s breakthroughs in life sciences contrasts with India?s strength in software engineering, and Japan?s enduring expertise in process technology. Similarly, the challenges, from intellectual property protection to access to venture capital, also vary significantly.



This special report draws on the experience and expertise of specialist Financial Times resporters and commentators to assess Asia?s performance and prowess in science and technology. Their exclusive interviews and access to decision makers provides the most incisive and comprehensive assessment of one of the most important determinants of future corporate competitiveness.
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