A View From Above: David Oliver, EADS North America
Episode Description
An interview from the recent Wharton Aerospace Conference
Brief Summary
The COO of Eads North America discusses defense contracting, competition, and the importance of international business relations for peace.
Key points
- Cultural Understanding in Defense. Lack of cultural understanding can hinder effective defense strategies.
- The Role of Business in Peace. Involving business in international relations can foster peace and innovation.
- Competition in Defense Industry. Competition between defense contractors leads to lower costs and better innovation.
- Innovation and Risk in Large Companies. Larger companies often become risk-averse, stifling innovation.
- International Collaboration. The U.S. should collaborate with international companies for better products.
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Episode highlights
- Cultural Understanding in DefenseLack of cultural understanding can hinder effective defense strategies.“Most Americans had never been out of the United States.”2:57May 12, 2011
- The Role of Business in PeaceInvolving business in international relations can foster peace and innovation.“If the United States is going to lead the world, we need to involve business.”3:39May 12, 2011
- Competition in Defense IndustryCompetition between defense contractors leads to lower costs and better innovation.“No matter who wins the Air Force tanker competition, the price will be reduced.”7:22May 12, 2011
- Innovation and Risk in Large CompaniesLarger companies often become risk-averse, stifling innovation.“Innovation happens as companies get larger and more conservative.”10:04May 12, 2011
- International CollaborationThe U.S. should collaborate with international companies for better products.“We have to buy things from other countries when their products are better.”14:37May 12, 2011
Tension
50/ 100Some tension
