As a result, total net benefits over the long run are often underestimated and necessary investments are not financed. Conversion is not limited to immediate resource release . Resources put to productive civilian use generate more resources in the longer term-a dynamic process sets in instantly. In examining base closures, for instance, the fact that land becomes available is insignificant compared to the possibilities created by its availability. It would be impractical, and often misleading, to differentiate between the immediate release of resources and those dynamic processes.
Conversion is one aspect of economic transitions .
In some cases, such as the former centrally planned economies, successful conversion requires fundamental economic adjustment. Especially in economies undergoing economic and political reform, conversion tends to be treated as a minor problem compared to other, more pressing ones. Similarly to other aspects of transition, conversion is less painful if it occurs gradually. Conversion is dynamically linked to disarmament . Disarmament provides much of the potential for conversion, while conversion may help make disarmament permanent.