Abstract
The supporting industries have recently been attracting attention as important contributors to the national economy in either developing or developed countries: excellent supporting industries in a country strengthens linkages between various industrial sectors and improves the trade balance, chiefly in developing countries, and supports research and development, contributing to the competitiveness of developed countries. For example, high-quality molds and dies have increased the productivity by 10,000 times, and also contributed to innovations. The usefulness of the supporting industry depends on the national economic strategy and decisions: haphazard fostering ones may only result in higher costs. Under favorable market and competitive conditions, however, the supporting industries will be fruitful at any phase of industrial development.
