Manufacturing Matters: The Myth of the Post-Industrial Economy [Paperback]

Stephen S. Cohen (Author), John Zysman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Manufacturingthe production of goodshas important impacts in all areas of our increasingly interdependent economy. The authors seek to show that modern economies will not de-industrialize but move from one form of manufacturing to another. They discuss in detail the impacts of our recent manufacturing declines on trade, technology, and economic transition. They make a convincing case for the necessity of manufacturing and believe we should not sacrifice our manufacturing for a service economy. Recommended for most libraries as a strong statement on an important issue. Richard C. Schiming, Economics Dept., Mankato State Univ., Minn.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books; First Edition edition (September 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0465043852
• ISBN-13: 978-0465043859
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,324,908 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Manufacturing does indeed matter April 9, 2013

By DT

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Dr. Cohen is spot on. He is one of the few economists with a pragmatic and sensible view that poignantly depicts in detail why manufacturing does matter. The dollar's worth is inextricably tied to a country's ability to innovate and manufacture domestically. Why so many others do not get it is beyond me. Technology is a game changer; the making of potato chips and microchips are not the same. If you get that point, you will enjoy this book. As a graduate student of economics, Dr. Cohen is my hero and closely aligns with my way of thinking.

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for all economists and politicians out there November 28, 2012

By SantiagoG

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

"Manufacturing matters" is a brilliant, clear and very thought out argument for an integral economic policy. Cohen and Zysman illustrate with evident examples the "linkages", the complex intertwining between manufacturing and services, and conclude that the post-industrial myth consists in avoiding the obvious fact that destroying manufacturing jobs and industries, destroys the high-end service jobs that have lifelines connected to these industries.

A note about the age of the book:

The book was published in 1987. The world has changed, the economy has definitely changed and technology has skyrocketed in this 25 year period. Some of the references in the book, for some readers, will indeed sound outdated (fax machines were high tech!)
However, do not let this trick you into abandoning the book. The wisdom and insight provided about the way you should consider the economy would have been mighty useful in avoiding de '08 recession, and should certainly make us reflect upon our future economic policy choices.

Pay heed!

Thanks Steven and John for this book!