Innovation in the automotive sector of the Philippines
The performance of the Philippine automotive industry has steadily improved following the Asian financial crisis. However, relative to the performance of the automotive industry in other countries, the sector has languished. To understand the challenges being faced by the automotive assemblers, as well as parts and components manufacturers, the innovation capability and activities of selected establishments are analysed following the framework developed by J. Bessant. This paper finds that despite having an awareness of the importance of technology and upgrading, some of the automotive firms are not able to translate this awareness into other technology activities.
Micro Studies: The Philippine Car Assembly Sector
In the light of reforms on trade policy and the move towards the 5 percent uniform tariff rate by 2004, local car assemblers have expressed their apprehension over the government’s liberalization plans. Hence, they have persuaded the government to impose higher tariff protection in lieu of the removal of import restrictions. This study analyzes the probable impact of tariff reforms, the removal of import restrictions on CBU’s, the adoption of the 5 percent uniform tariff rate and the removal of the local content requirement on the car assembly sector. Analysis indicates that the trade and investment policy reforms have not granted most assembly firms marked improvement in their efficiency measures. Results also show that the Philippine passenger car assembly industry exhibit insipid performance compared to Thailand. In particular, Philippine car assemblers survive not because of the volume they produce but because of the high protection they enjoy.
Research requirements to reduce maintenance costs of civil helicopters
The maintenance problems faced by the operators of civil helicopters that result in high costs are documented. Existing technology that can be applied to reduce maintenance costs and research that should be carried out were identified. Good design practice and application of existing technology were described as having a significant impact on reducing maintenance costs immediately. The research and development that have potential for long range reduction of maintenance costs are presented.