Re: Re: Systems of innovation

[Bill Rosenberg <w.rosenberg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Charles Jannuzi wrote:
>
> > However I certainly believe that it does happen - judging by the rapidity
> with
> > which successful technology firms in New Zealand have been bought out by
> > transnationals as soon as the success became apparent.
>
> What's the basis of their success other than high tech hype? Could you give
> one example? And who bought it out? In telecoms there was a period where
> stuff just got bought up high prices and all without much real evaluation of
> the true value of the acquisition.

Here's some:

·	Allflex Holdings Ltd, was the "innovator" export success story of the late
70's and 80's in New Zealand. It virtually created a world market for plastic
and electronic animal ear tags. It set up factories around the world, including
one in New Zealand with 200 employees, including Europe and in Latin America
(because of Brazilian import restrictions). Sold first to Goodman Fielder
Wattie, Australia, then  Societé Française D'Innovations Pour L'Élevage, France,
then resold to Goldman Sachs U.S.A. Its operation in New Zealand was closed down
in favour of plants elsewhere in the world.
·	Unisys (U.S.A.), bought out the Christchurch developers of the LINC 4th
generation software development system in the early 1980's (Unisys's main 4th
generation software offering at the time) and then contracted them to develop it
further, in 1992 moved the development operation to Australia contributing to
the loss of 96 jobs, including many skilled computer professionals.
.	In the last 4-5 years there have been a series of transnational takeovers of
companies which had developed software, network routers, power supplies,
electric wheel chairs, and other electronic instruments. Some development has
remained in New Zealand; one wonders for how long.

Bill