The forces that drive research and development in the steel industry

Fundamental changes within the steel industry suggest that the current classification of the industry as 'mature', according to the mass of steel produced, is no longer valid. The industry is changing from a commodity business to a manufacturer of a wide variety of fit for purpose products, and, within this definition, the industry is growing. Product and manufacturing technology are changing in support of the business change to eventually provide the flexible manufacturing capabilities that will be required. The structure of the steel research and development (RD cooperative developments with consumers and equipment suppliers; and an emphasis on the sustainability of the industry within environmental constraints.