John Findley Blog

GE has produced an exciting view of the future of uses of the internet and computing: "The Industrial Internet: Pushing the Boundaries of Minds and Machines".

To me, as an engineer, this is an exciting view of productivity growth.  However, as a small business operator it raises more questions about how we (SMEs) can participate in the bounty and benefits of computing and the internet. The GE paper focuses on big business.  More...

This survey by Deloitte Access Economics suggests that small business people are low tech adapters. John argues there are other reasons. He asks: are SMEs tech savvy?

I believe there is a huge gap in the development and distribution of computer-based solutions for SMEs. More...

I have a somewhat hazy recollection of a visit to the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce by a minister of the Keating cabinet in the early ’90s (going back quite a few years).
 
The minister addressed the Austcham with the message “Australia should engage with Asia”.  One wag at the rear of the room rose to his feet and pointed out, with great politeness, that the minister was addressing Austcham in Hong Kong and all members had been engaged with Asia for decades. More...

As an old engineer with decades of experience in Australian manufacturing, in large and small enterprises (before I pursued a career offshore), I feel that it is impossible for SMEs to introduce technological innovation, or at least the opportunities for technological innovation are extremely limited.
 
Recently the Prime Minister received a report 'Smarter Manufacturing for a Smarter Australia'.  The 5 key points made in the report are too rarefied to be actionable.  More...

I do not have extensive research resource, nor am I properly trained to make economic forecasts.  I just have 25 years living and working in many cities of China, a keen eye and an engineer’s training.    I frequently read erudite and well researched publications discussing a slowdown in China. More...