IMS collaboration include access to advanced global manufacturing skills, technologies, and resource bases; exposure to global best practices; shared risks and rewards; intellectual property rights agreement guidelines; leveraging of R&D investments; building of relationships that facilitate entry into new markets; learning to think and act globally; and avoid innovating in the dark.

New industries such as biotechnology and nanotechnology are the potential engines for future value creation, job creation, and economic success. The development of these new industries, as well as the growth of current industries, must occur in the new global environment. Development programs, competitive strategies, and investment decisions by government and industry need to be made with an understanding of global opportunities and risks. Only by working with today’s environment rather than yesterday’s reminiscences will we be able to fill the glass rather than watch it empty.