Synopses & Reviews
This book describes the nature and extent of the current revolutionary age of logistical networks, which is transforming society at a rapid rate. Many of the major structural changes underway are triggered by slow but steady changes in global logistical systems. Methods of dynamic analysis, especially synergetics, are essential for a proper understanding of the qualitative changes involved. These methods are described in the book. The role of creative world cities is also portrayed as a fundamental one. In this context, the Osaka Bay Area is expected to play a key role as a new symbiotic centre for different cultures of the Orient and the Occident. The book contains contributions of twenty prominent scientists from Japan, Europe and the USA.
Synopsis
Today, telecommunication systems are expanding and evolving at a remarkable rate, with the aid of fiber optics, satellites and comput erized switchboard systems. Airline systems are providing faster and more efficient networks for world-wide human transportation. Com puters are now generally accessible to virtually all industries and many households. But perhaps the most important factor is that education systems are expanding the knowledge base for city populations, thus resulting in increased efficiency in the use of computers, telecommuni cations and rapid transportation systems. The revolutionary age of logistical networks is upon lIS. Logistical networks are those systems which facilitate the movement of knowl edge, commodities, money, and people in association with thE; produc tion or consumption of goods and services. Logistical networks form a set of important infrastructure which serve as hard and soft means to sustain all kinds of movement, transactions and diffusion within and between global networks of cities. Major structural changes in the re gional and urban economy, culture and institutions are triggered by slow but steady changes in global logistical systems."