The goal of this program is to provide a fact-based picture of globalization through industry-specific study. For example, grants have supported research on company location decisions and the effects of these decisions on a company's competitive position in a number of industries including computer flat panel display, auto, computer disk drive, semiconductor manufacturing, personal computer, and computer software. An ambitious collaborative project, begun in 2003, is studying different industries within the electronics value chain (e.g., semiconductors, flat panel displays, PCs, etc.). Researchers working on this project examine how companies are moving people, jobs and knowledge across the globe to investigate and pursue market opportunities, and to organize design and production. These researchers also study how these new global 'knowledge networks' are affecting firms, workers and national economies.

   The Foundation is especially interested in further documenting what is actually happening in any number of industries related to the phenomenon known as "services off-shoring" (i.e., moving service industry activities, and the service components of manufacturing industries, from one country to another). While the concept of off-shoring is not new, the Foundation is interested in developing an understanding of what is new about it and what has changed, industry-by-industry, given that the costs of international data transmission and computer automation have declined at the same time as their capabilities have increased. Of particular interest to the Foundation is understanding the impact of services off-shoring on jobs and wages in specific industries. A small number of industry-based studies of this issue will be supported this year.

   Besides applying for research grants, interested researchers may join the Industry Studies Affiliates program as a way to become connected to this scholarly community. The Affiliates program offers opportunities for collaboration with others working on Globalization issues and industry studies.

   In addition to articles in leading academic journals, industry studies researchers have produced several outstanding books on globalization topics over the years. Some of these include:

From Silicon Valley to Singapore: Location and Competitive Advantage in the Hard Disk Drive Industry, David G. McKendrick, Richard E. Doner and Stephan Haggard  

Managing New Industry Creation: Global Knowledge Formation and Entrepreneurship in High Technology, Thomas P. Murtha, Stefanie Ann Lenway and Jeffrey A. Hart

Locating Global Advantage: Industry Dynamics in the International Economy, Martin Kenney with Richard Florida, editors

Global Taiwan: Building Competitive Strengths in a New International Economy, Suzanne Berger and Richard K. Lester, editors

How We Compete: What Companies Around the World Are Doing to Make it in Today's Global Economy, Suzanne Berger, editor