Can the US Bring Jobs Back from China?

Despite a decline in the dollar and a spike in oil prices, finding a US manufacturer eager to develop prototypes for new products or compete for contracts is not easy. Not only does the US fail to compete in industries that require ample cheap labor, it also struggles to compete in terms of innovation. “American factories and supplier networks in many industries have withered in the era of globalization, so it will take lots of time and capital before the US can become a big player again,” explains Peter Engardio for BusinessWeek. Energy costs will add to Chinese prices, but with so many components developed, manufactured and perfected overseas – down to screws and batteries – US manufacturers are flummoxed about how to innovate for skyrocketing energy prices. – YaleGlobal