The Material Advantage

Why are there rich countries and poor countries?

Here is one reason: for more than two millennia, nations and regions that could transform raw materials into manufactured materials have achieved competitive advantage.

In this book, renowned scientist and educator Bernie Bulkin takes you on a whirlwind journey through the history of paper, textiles, food packaging, buildings, transport and electricity, with stories that show why and how competitive advantage happens. Looking to the future, Bernie also addresses the materials that might make and re-make our world in the coming decades, and which characteristics a society must have to be truly successful.