Discusses how to find productive civilian uses for the resources and people formerly devoted to the nation's defense. Focuses on how R&D institutions can be more responsive to civilian technology development. Examines how certain proposed national missions might replace defense in contributing to the country's repository of technology, high-value added jobs, and gross domestic product. Charts and tables.

This impressive book tracks the progress of twelve countries on five continents in moving resources from defense to civilian activity in the 1990's. Based on intensive field research, thanks to its truly international array of contributors, the book addresses each country with an impressive standard of scholarship. This accessible book is written i

When pundits refer to the death of community, they are speaking of a number of social ills, which include, but are not limited to, the general increase in isolation and cynicism of our citizens, widespread concerns about declining political participation and membership in civic organizations, and periodic outbursts of small town violence. Making a Place for Community argues that this death of community is being caused by contemporary policies that, if not changed, will continue to foster the decline of community. Increased capital flow between nations is not at the root of the problem, however, increased capital flow within our nation is. Small towns shouldn't have to hope for a prison to open nearby and downtown centers shouldn't sit empty as suburban sparwl encroaches, but they do and it's a result of widely agreed upon public policies.

In a world that often feels torn by conflict and strife, the ancient words of the prophet Isaiah offer a vision of profound hope. "They will beat their swords into plowshares," he wrote, "and their spears into pruning hooks." It's a powerful image - a future where the tools of war are transformed into the instruments of peace and prosperity. For the defense industry, this vision is more than just a lofty ideal. It's a roadmap for a brighter tomorrow. As the world changes and the priorities of nations shift, the companies that have long been at the forefront of military innovation are faced with a choice. They can cling to the ways of the past, or they can adapt, evolve, and apply their immense strengths to solving the challenges of a new era. This book is the story of those who have chosen the latter path. In the pages that follow, you'll meet the visionary leaders and organizations who are at the vanguard of a powerful transformation. From pioneering environmental remediation to revolutionizing civilian manufacturing, they're turning swords into plowshares in the most literal sense. But this isn't just a story of corporate strategy or market trends. It's a profoundly human tale of courage, resilience, and the unshakable belief that a better world is possible. Behind every innovation and every bold new venture are countless individuals - engineers and entrepreneurs, dreamers and doers - who have staked their livelihoods and their futures on the conviction that their skills and expertise can make a real difference. Their journeys have not been easy. The path from conflict to creation is strewn with obstacles and uncertainties. But through their struggles and their triumphs, these pioneers are charting a course that others can follow. They're proving that the choice between swords and plowshares is a false one - that with enough creativity and commitment, we can forge a future where both people and profits can flourish. This is a message that matters to us all. Whether you're a defense industry executive or a concerned global citizen, the transformation chronicled in these pages holds profound implications. It speaks to the power of innovation to drive positive change, the importance of corporate responsibility in an interconnected world, and the potential for even the most entrenched institutions to evolve and adapt. But more than that, it speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. In a time of global challenges and existential threats, it's easy to give in to despair. But the stories you're about to read are a powerful reminder that another way is possible. That by turning our swords into plowshares - by channeling our resources and our resolve into the work of building rather than destroying - we can create a world of prosperity, sustainability, and peace. So let's draw inspiration from the visionaries in these pages. Let's see in their example not just a path for the defense industry, but a model for us all. And let's move forward with the conviction that, together, we can make Isaiah's ancient prophecy a modern reality. The journey from swords to plowshares is one we must all take - and it starts here, with the turn of a page. This book is priced at an affordable price point to enable widest availability. If this collection of inspiring stories how to make Swords into Plowshares, saves even one life or brings happiness to a single person, it will fill me also with hope and happiness, knowing I've made a difference as the author. David Hoicka

American communities face serious challenges when military bases close. But affected municipalities and metro regions are not doomed. Taking a long-term, flexible, and incremental approach, Michael Touchton and Amanda J. Ashley make strong recommendations for collaborative models of governance that can improve defense conversion dramatically and ensure benefits, even for low-resource municipalities. Communities can't control their economic situation or geographic location, but, as Salvaging Community shows, communities can control how they govern conversion processes geared toward redevelopment and reinvention. In Salvaging Community, Touchton and Ashley undertake a comprehensive evaluation of how such communities redevelop former bases following the Department of Defense's Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. To do so, they developed the first national database on military redevelopment and combine quantitative national analyses with three, in-depth case studies in California. Salvaging Community thus fills the void in knowledge surrounding redevelopment of bases and the disparate outcomes that affect communities after BRAC. The data presented in Salvaging Community points toward effective strategies for collaborative governance that address the present-day needs of municipal officials, economic development agencies, and non-profit organizations working in post-BRAC communities. Defense conversion is not just about jobs or economic rebound, Touchton and Ashley argue. Emphasizing inclusion and sustainability in redevelopment promotes rejuvenated communities and creates places where people want to live. As localities and regions deal with the legacy of the post-Cold War base closings and anticipate new closures in the future, Salvaging Community presents a timely and constructive approach to both economic and community development at the close of the military-industrial era.

Owing to the expected nature of combat in 2010, U.S. military forces face a pressing need to transform themselves for rapid response to an unpredictable threat. Rapid advances in commercial technology (particularly in electronics), coupled with the easy access to commercial technology enjoyed by potential adversaries, will compel DOD and defense contractors to excel at integrating commercial technology into defense systems. This integration of commercial and military manufacturing (ICMM) has begun on a small scale. By 2010, it needs to increase substantially if U.S. forces are to retain a technological edge. This report assesses the opportunities for increased ICMM in 2010 and beyond, identifies barriers, and recommends strategies for overcoming them.

Case studies look in detail at the Chinese space and missile industry.