"Design in the 60's" in this issue points up the fact that by 1970, the electronics industry may be radically different not only in size but in character from the one of today. We would like to hazard a guess and say that adapting to technical obsolescence, using technical manpower effectively, and obtaining proper recognition for the electronics industry are three major problems that will have to be coped with successfully if the industry is to enjoy healthy growth.
The industry must develop a flexibility of operating great enough to absorb the shocks of increasing technical breakthroughs. It will have to learn how to capitalize quickly on research findings on the one hand, and on the other, to phase out obsolete projects or methods as rapidly and efficiently as possible. If it masters this "art," the industry can thrive on rapid change and use this skill to meet and beat foreign competition.
The industry also must learn to make more effective use of its technical manpower. There is no sign of meeting the shortage of competent technical manpower in the foreseeable future. The best way to meet this need is to make better use of the technical people now employed. (Electronic Design, Jan. 6, 1960, p. 21).
Electronic Design's Founding Editor, Ed Grazda, not only understood where the industry was heading, but also was an eminent advocate for improving the lot of engineers.