The idea of maintaining local production rather than relying on trade isn't about learning how to produce specific goods, but about learning how to produce *in general,* developing an infrastructure and labor force that can adapt and customize their production for any needs
-
Show this thread
-
In her discussions of import replacement in Japan, Jane Jacobs uses the example of the Japanese bicycle industry--rather than copying an American factory which would *only* make bicycles, mechanics and light manufacturers developed the ability to make PARTS first, for repairs
1 reply 5 retweets 31 likesShow this thread -
After a few years manufacturing spare bike parts on demand, you end up with enough suppliers to assemble an entire bike, and enough experienced workers to do the job. The same techniques/practices developed in producing bicycles directly contributed to the Japanese car industry
1 reply 3 retweets 27 likesShow this thread -
Cultivating this sort of flexible skilled labor pool & infrastructure/logistical network is what I hope will happen to New England (it happened here before, after all!)
2 replies 3 retweets 22 likesShow this thread -
Economic development works its way up supply chains like a flame working its way along a fuse--people start localizing production of common inputs to growing industries, then people start localizing the inputs of THOSE inputs, etc...
1 reply 1 retweet 14 likesShow this thread -
The saga of the former Rao's Coffee in Amherst illustrates some very small-scale versions of this effect (cafe proliferation leading to proliferation in local coffee roasters & syrup/flavoring producers)http://www.masslive.com/business-news/index.ssf/2016/01/raos_rebrands_cafes_in_northampton_and_amherst.html …
1 reply 0 retweets 6 likesShow this thread
Really need some bright young entrepreneurs to get into the business of kitchen supply now
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.