The article discusses the book "Manufacturing Matters: The Myth of the Post-Industrial Economy" by Stephen S. Cohen and John Zysman, which challenges the notion of the U.S. economy becoming a "service economy." The authors argue that the U.S. cannot sustain a service-based economy due to the large volume of goods needed, and that the U.S. will continue to be a major producer of goods, including manufactured products, and likely a net exporter to pay for its debts. The authors also argue that while the U.S. can balance trade through currency depreciation and lower wages, this approach relies on cheap labor. To regain competitiveness, American manufacturing must improve productivity, quality, and design. However, the authors' analysis is flawed. They present some valid points but also make vague claims and overgeneralizations. For example, they suggest that technological developments can cause rapid market shifts, but this is a truism rather than a hypothesis. The authors also fail to provide a clear explanation of why Japan and Germany have overtaken the U.S. in manufacturing. They suggest that the U.S. has failed to capitalize on the "revolution" in manufacturing known as programmable automation. However, they acknowledge that productivity growth has slowed, not accelerated, despite technological advances. The authors also discuss the importance of skilled labor and education in manufacturing, and the need for flexibility and adaptability in production. However, their overall argument lacks a clear, unified theory. They also offer little on public policy, suggesting that the U.S. government should actively support industrial competitiveness. While this advice is sound, it lacks concrete policy recommendations. Overall, the book is a thoughtful but flawed analysis of the U.S. manufacturing sector.The article discusses the book "Manufacturing Matters: The Myth of the Post-Industrial Economy" by Stephen S. Cohen and John Zysman, which challenges the notion of the U.S. economy becoming a "service economy." The authors argue that the U.S. cannot sustain a service-based economy due to the large volume of goods needed, and that the U.S. will continue to be a major producer of goods, including manufactured products, and likely a net exporter to pay for its debts. The authors also argue that while the U.S. can balance trade through currency depreciation and lower wages, this approach relies on cheap labor. To regain competitiveness, American manufacturing must improve productivity, quality, and design. However, the authors' analysis is flawed. They present some valid points but also make vague claims and overgeneralizations. For example, they suggest that technological developments can cause rapid market shifts, but this is a truism rather than a hypothesis. The authors also fail to provide a clear explanation of why Japan and Germany have overtaken the U.S. in manufacturing. They suggest that the U.S. has failed to capitalize on the "revolution" in manufacturing known as programmable automation. However, they acknowledge that productivity growth has slowed, not accelerated, despite technological advances. The authors also discuss the importance of skilled labor and education in manufacturing, and the need for flexibility and adaptability in production. However, their overall argument lacks a clear, unified theory. They also offer little on public policy, suggesting that the U.S. government should actively support industrial competitiveness. While this advice is sound, it lacks concrete policy recommendations. Overall, the book is a thoughtful but flawed analysis of the U.S. manufacturing sector.