The world is flat.
Using fiber-optic cables, advanced compression technologies, and aeronautical work force software, Boeing has set up a twenty-four hour ‘round-the-world workday (two shifts in Russia and one in America). In Russia 1,000 engineers, formerly with different Russian aircraft companies like Ilyusian, Tupelov and Sukhoi, pass engineering plans back and forth with American engineers to produce the most cost-effective aircraft. This new competitive workplace is why Thomas Friedman says the world is flat.1 It’s why drive-through orders at twelve McDonald’s franchises in Missouri are handled in Colorado Springs, where the workforce is cheaper.2 The world is within reach; and the winners are those who are most competitive.
