Perspectives on globalization and outsourcing

The phenomena of outsourcing, globalization and offshoring are impacting the microwave and RF engineering community. Many of us, even if not yet directly affected, are concerned. There are considerable short-term instability as manufacturing and design capabilities shift to lower cost locations. In the long term, however, we have the prospect of greater prosperity throughout the globe. Improving standards of living in now economically underdeveloped areas will level the field, and underdeveloped areas will gradually become developed. And as prosperity increases in underdeveloped areas, new markets for goods and services is created, raising the possibility of increased global economic activity. Granted, this is a very optimistic view, but this is the outcome that we are best off encouraging.