The way ahead

If you're into Chinese astrology you'll know that 2004 is the Year of the Monkey. The previous one was 1992, but I suspect readers are more likely to be conversant with Chinese culture than they were twelve years ago. Nowadays a serious conversation about manufacturing technology and its markets cannot ignore China and its role in the redistribution of industrial power and capacity. Many UK companies are uncertain how to react to these changes; despair or outrage seem to be the extreme options.