I think this is the beginnings of an economy based on perpetual growth and fossil fuel energy running headlong into geological energy constraints. Basically I see an undulatory downward path for the rest of my life. From here out, I think any rallies in our economic condition are going to be met with spiking commodity prices that knock us right back down.
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 8:39 am Post subject: Re: Financial Tsunami
Where you start from matters, but it is not enough.
Quote:
The Conference Board of Canada has tabled a blunt assessment of Canada's place in the world. In a new report, it argues Canada is falling behind its industrialized peers when it comes to innovation and its "mediocre performance" in six key areas is a recipe for future problems.
The Conference Board's report -- entitled "How Canada Performs: A Report Card on Canada" -- graded Canada's performance against 16 other industrialized nations in categories such as the economy, the environment, education, health, society and innovation.
Quote:
The report states that Canada may actually be handicapped by abundant natural resources, which are masking potential problems in the overall economy.
"Canada's reliance on natural resource products partially explains why Canada derives less of its revenues from innovative products," according to the report.
The authors note, European firms are deriving more than 25 per cent of their revenue from innovative products and services -- a significantly higher proportion than their Canadian counterparts.
The report states Canada isn't just competing against industrialized countries. The global economy means it can't take solace for long in being ahead of the developing world.
"China, India and Brazil, among others, are knocking on our door," said the report.
To improve innovation and the economy, the report recommends:
increase product and investment
improve domestic investment in machinery, equipment, and infrastructure
improve tax system for investors
The Conference Board's report did have some good news. Canada placed only behind Finland in the education category. But even here, the report states it could do better by producing more doctoral graduates, and more graduates with math, science, and engineering degrees.
Joined: Sep 29, 2004 Posts: 2330 Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 8:57 am Post subject: Re: Financial Tsunami
Switzerland is the greatest innovator in the world? They make nice watches, but damn. _________________ "That's the problem with mercy, kid... It just ain't professional" - Fast Eddie, The Color of Money
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 12:41 am Post subject: Re: Financial Tsunami
As a percentage of their GDP. This is a relative and not an absolute measure. The Swiss make excellent machines for boring through mountains for example. Not the type of thing you see at airport Duty Free. Also the precision for creating fine watches is the expertise needed for other high-end manufacturing. Like the Germans they have been exporting mainly capital goods like automated machines to support manufacturing in Asia, but also selling them fine Swiss watches as they get wealthier. _________________ The organized state is a wonderful invention whereby everyone can live at someone else's expense.
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 1:25 am Post subject: Re: Financial Tsunami
What the Swiss do they do right houses, watches, shoes,pruning shears, knifes, everything.
You really can buy this stuff it's simply well designed, functional and long lasting.
I cannot understand the B for the US we had to buy an (old) Ford car (crab), a Whirlpool fridge (horrible look, most unpractical), a forgot the brand vacuum cleaner (didn't work, changed it for something Asian).
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 1:32 am Post subject: Re: Financial Tsunami
You forgot chocolate! ; - ))
Too bad they never mastered brewing though. Give me German or Czech anyday over a Swiss beer. But on a hot day gimme either! ; - )) _________________ The organized state is a wonderful invention whereby everyone can live at someone else's expense.
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