New Advanced Materials

Patrick Cohendet

This is a detailed study of the effects of developments in new materials on industrial strategies in Europe. The study shows how a new information-rich economic system is emerging, based on uncertainty and complexity management. The mechanisms of emergence and of viability of such a system involve new strategies in terms of gathering know-how, management of skills and industrial partnership. The book has five parts: Part I is concerned with a definition of materials, Part II with structural materials and their influence on the reconception of industrial processes. Part II is complemented by Part III which looks at the three main sectors using structural materials (transport, packaging, building and public works). Part IV analyzes functional materials and the way they affect basic components in the technological system (information, energy, biotechnology). Part V makes a strategic...