From its very conception, IIASA's Management and Technology Area has been interested in industrial policy issues. This interest increased after the Innovation Management Task started its work. Several collaborative papers have been written which address the problem of industrial policy in different countries or some industrial branches.
In spite of the fact that this paper by was written two years ago, it is an excellent introduction into the US scene where industrial policy discussions are an important issue. The interesting issue which is raised concerns the longer-term horizon in government and company activities and their implementation. This is particularly relevant to industrial restructuring which challenges most of the industrially developed and developing countries in the years to come. Therefore this paper is very relevant in solving many recent policy issues
