Projects

Adoption of New Technologies

Adoption and Impacts of New Technologies and Techniques in the Paper Manufacturing Sector in Georgia

Research Theme: Workplace Transformation

Project Objective Statement: This project benchmarks technological and knowledge use in Georgia’s paper manufacturing sector; it will also identify business and policy issues affecting technological adoption and innovation.

Project summary:

As manufacturing faces increasing pressures from foreign operations in lower cost locales, the ability of U.S. firms to compete hinges on the ability to harness knowledge, adopt modern manufacturing technologies and techniques, and be innovative. Nowhere is this more true than in the pulp and paper industry, which although generally considered a mature and resource-intensive industry, is increasingly focused on issues such as how to minimize waste and environmental byproducts, how to reduce capital and operational costs, how to better organize workers, how to acquire and use knowledge, and how to develop new product, process or service innovations that can be differentiated from the competition.

The objectives of this project are to:

(1) Measure the adoption and use of current and emerging technologies and techniques among pulp and paper manufacturers, including new manufacturing, design, information, communications, web, supply integration, knowledge management, and organizational technologies and techniques

(2) Benchmark pulp and paper manufacturers use of these technologies and techniques against those of other manufacturing industries.

(3) Assess the outcomes and net benefits that accrue to paper manufacturers from using these technologies and techniques, including effects on innovation in products and processes, productivity, quality, profitability, and growth.

(4) Identify technological, financial, human capital, and market issues affecting the adoption of these technologies and techniques and their business and policy implications.

Contact:

Planned Duration: 1 year; started in Fall 2004