Flexible specialization decouples production technology from dedicated single models

Evidence

These changes correspond to, within the sphere of production, the development of ‘flexible spe­ cialization’. New technology — such as flexible manufacturing systems — no longer needs be dedicated to a particular model and can be adapted to a variety of different purposes. The growing use of computers to co-ordinate production also makes possible just-in-time stock-keeping, significantly reducing overheads. Plant size falls, and the role of labour changes. — Alex Callinicos, Against Postmodernism, 503

Categorization

• XREF: Flexible specialization versus regime-of-accumulation is the classic Piore-Sabel versus regulation-school debate, relevant background for how Marxist theory splits over post-Fordism. — connects to: Flexible production bypassed Fordist rigidity to serve quick-changing markets — David Harvey, The Condition of Postmodernity: An…, 936; Flexibility means instantly adapting labor and machinery to market demand — Catherine Malabou, What Should We Do with Our Brain?, 154

Broader Connections

• Flexible production bypassed Fordist rigidity to serve quick-changing markets #expands (0.85) — David Harvey, The Condition of Postmodernity, 936
• Flexibility means instantly adapting labor and machinery to market demand #expands (0.80) — Catherine Malabou, What Should We Do with Our Brain?, 154