In the USA, large and small businesses rely on membership in industrialized associations as an important source of advice on technological subjects that concern company productivity, profitability and competitiveness. Such associations relate to every aspect of US industry and form a significant part of the technology exchange network that operates regionally and nationally. Many trade associations also play an unsung role in stimulating the process of technological innovation. They are part of the iceberg that is not seen, but their usefulness is attested to by the membership.
