The High-Flex Society

Global interdependency and economic, technological and demographic changes, along with America's alleged present inability to adapt its many strengths to meet competition, are challenging its position of world leadership, according to this sharply critical appraisal. Economist Choate ( America in Ruins and Linger, both analysts at the TRW corporation, attribute part of the crisis to the federal deficit, lack of investment in education, infrastructure and research, and the trade imbalance. American business, they state, must adopt a ""high-flex'' approach favoring firms that invest, innovate and automatethat are able to quickly move a product from development to the market. Long-range goals rather than short-term profits should be pursued, the authors maintain, by an adaptable, motivated work force supported by flexible, integrated government trade and monetary strategies designed to renew industrial dynamism as well as meet foreign competition. (September 25)