Economics of Materials Competition -Effects of Product Architecture Changes and the Level of Analysis

Abstract

Introduction Current state of materials competition In the past materials competition has often compared similar designs made from different materials. Problem This standard approach often results in a part-by-part comparison omits specific advantages of various materials, both primary and secondary Research questions: What is necessary to allow a more comprehensive analysis of the competitive position of alternative materials? What role can changes of the product architecture play? How to think about future design/materials choices?