2006年-世界发展银行全球_Industrial_Competitiveness_of_the_Auto_Parts_Industries_in_Four_Large_Asian_Countries___The_Role_of_Government_Policy_in_a_Challenging_International_Environment_76页_514kb

Summary of the Industrial Competitiveness of the Auto Parts Industries in Four Large Asian Countries

Core Content

This paper examines the development and competitiveness of the auto parts industries in four large Asian countries—Japan, Korea, China, and Indonesia—focusing on the role of government policy in shaping their industrial trajectories. The analysis highlights how national policies, institutions, and political systems influence the growth, innovation, and efficiency of auto parts production, particularly in the context of increasing global competition and liberalization.

Main Viewpoints

• Government Policy and Industrial Development: While conventional liberalization and stabilization policies are important, they are not sufficient to explain the success of auto parts industries. The paper emphasizes the need to consider policies that promote economies of scale, skill formation, quality upgrading, supplier-linkage cooperation, and innovation.

• Japan:

  • The Japanese auto parts industry is the global model for competitiveness and efficiency.
  • Early government support through protectionism and promotion was crucial for building scale and specialization.
  • Lean production and quality control innovations, driven by both government and corporate strategies, have been central to Japan's success.
  • The Toyota supplier system exemplifies how coordinated inter-firm behavior and public technology centers contribute to industry development.
  • Despite challenges like stagnant domestic demand and aging workforce, Japan has maintained its leadership through continuous innovation and strategic investments.

• Korea:

  • Korea became a major player in the auto industry after the 1990s, driven by export promotion and protectionist policies.
  • However, it lags behind Japan in design, parts production, and quality.
  • Consolidation around a few business groups and export-oriented strategies helped build scale.
  • Labor and political instability remain key concerns, affecting the long-term sustainability of the industry.

• China:

  • China's auto industry grew rapidly after the 1980s, especially with the entry of foreign firms like Volkswagen.
  • WTO entry and foreign investment spurred significant growth in both assembly and parts production.
  • The industry has seen a surge in inward investment, leading to rapid expansion and increased competitiveness.
  • Despite this, concerns remain about labor and management skills, financial rigidity, and overcapacity.

• Indonesia:

  • Indonesia's auto parts industry has lower skill levels and limited technology support.
  • It experienced a sharp decline during the 1997-98 financial crisis, followed by partial recovery and stagnation.
  • Protectionism and political influence have historically constrained its development.
  • Outward investment is minimal, and local participation in global production networks remains limited.

Key Information

• Global Trends:

  • The global auto industry has become more concentrated, with leading firms based in advanced economies.
  • Technological innovation is incremental and cumulative, relying on tacit knowledge and process improvements rather than radical breakthroughs.

• Challenges:

  • Late-developers face technological, scale, and quality challenges.
  • Protectionism is no longer as effective due to global trade liberalization and increased competition.
  • Skill formation and technology diffusion are critical for success in the auto parts sector.

• Policy Implications:

  • Governments must focus on supporting innovation, cooperation among firms, and institutional development.
  • Japan serves as a template for successful industrial policy, combining public support with market efficiency.
  • Korea, China, and Indonesia each have distinct paths, shaped by their historical development, political systems, and economic structures.

• Future Outlook:

  • China is expected to overtake Japan as the second-largest auto producer by 2010-2012.
  • Indonesia faces significant hurdles in achieving meaningful participation in the global auto industry due to institutional weaknesses and limited skill formation.

Conclusion

The paper concludes that the growth of auto parts industries in East Asia is closely tied to national policies and institutional frameworks. While Japan has been the most successful, Korea and China have made significant strides, and Indonesia remains a challenge. The analysis underscores the importance of coordinating public and private efforts, fostering innovation, and building skilled workforces to sustain competitiveness in the global auto industry.