Those jobs are now leaving Louisiana and other states as companies such as apparel manufacturers move their operations to other countries. Many of the workers in Louisiana's traditional industries, such as oil and gas exploration and production and chemical plant operations, are already required to operate computers, advanced instrumentation, and other sophisticated equipment. Highly skilled, high performance laborers are required to meet the needs of the technology-intensive companies that will remain as others become less competitive and move offshore or close. The types of workers companies need are also changing. The use of technology also improves productivity, allowing increases in output with the same or reduced employment.
Innovation is required for success .
Successful companies must be constantly improving production practices and products and moving into new markets. Successful companies must be flexible and rapidly respond to changing markets and economic conditions. Quality and cost . High quality products produced at ever lower costs are required to compete. Again technology, in the form of advanced communications and transportation systems, contributes to the success of these types of arrangements.