There already is a global shift in the way many countries are conducting business, with the emergence of China as world manufacturing super power (these guys are growing a huge rate and they reckon still another 20 years worth of growth at their current levels 11/12%), you will notice many countries, especially resource rich countries like Australia becoming more of a supplier of materials and less of a manufacturer them selves. It has been seen with the Taiwan and Hong Kong of old. Until China gets a middle class and the cost of living improves (thus becomes more expensive and wages rise) the world is going to shift in this manner. That is why many super powers are scared of China.

With the ease that we can obtain goods from OS, it is becoming more and more difficult, especially for small business to start up and survive. Their definitely needs to be more Govt subsidies for small business etc... However this is where I will stop my rant for I am only really familiar with the manufacturing side of things.

mmmm sub way for lunch