Going From Commercialization to Mass Production

The transcript discusses the importance of continued investment in R&D to maintain competitiveness in the global economy. It highlights the US's strengths in moving technologies from the lab to commercial development but notes a lag in mass production. Case studies of flat panel displays and solar photovoltaics illustrate this issue. The Obama administration's initiatives to support domestic production, particularly in electric cars, are also discussed as a positive step towards addressing these challenges.

What are the potential consequences of austerity measures on investment in R&D according to the text?

How has the US government historically supported technology development, and what has been the outcome in terms of mass production?

What role did Asian countries play in the mass production of technologies that originated in the US?

Discuss the impact of foreign firms on the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric cars in the US.

What steps has the Obama administration taken to promote the production of electric cars and their components in the US?