Abstract
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) regard the development of innovative talents as crucial for enhancing global competitiveness. In this chapter, we focus on product architecture, a key differentiator of Japanese firms, and their ability to catch up with Western firms that were ahead in technology adoption. We analyze the relationship between innovators and the product architectures they select and identify nine characteristics common to Japanese-type innovators.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Baldwin, Carliss Y, and Kim B Clark. 2006. Modularity in the design of complex engineering systems. In Complex engineered systems. Berlin: Springer.
Chesbrough, Henry, and Andrea Prencipe. 2008. Networks of innovation and modularity: A dynamic perspective. International Journal of Technology Management 42: 414–425.
Clark, Kim B., and Takahiro Fujimoto. 1991. Product development performance: Strategy, organization, and management in the world auto industry. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
Demeter, Krisztina, and Zsolt Matyusz. 2011. The impact of lean practices on inventory turnover. International Journal of Production Economics 133: 154–163.
Dyer, Jeffrey H, Hal B Gregersen, and Clayton M Christensen. 2009. The innovator’s DNA. Harvard business review 87.
Fujimoto, T. 2003. Competing to be really good. Tokyo: International House of Japan.
Fujimoto, T., and K. Nobeoka. 2006. The power of continuity in competition analysis: Product development and the evolution of organizational capability. Organizational Science-Tokyo 39: 43.
Fujimoto, Takahiro, and Young Won Park. 2012. Complexity and control: Benchmarking of automobiles and electronic products. Benchmarking: An International Journal 19: 502–516.
Harison, Elad, and Albert Boonstra. 2009. Essential competencies for technochange management: Towards an assessment model. International Journal of Information Management 29: 283–294.
Hartono, Edward, Xiaotong Li, Kwan-Sik Na, and James T. Simpson. 2010. The role of the quality of shared information in interorganizational systems use. International Journal of Information Management 30: 399–407.
Hayes, Robert H., and Steven C. Wheelwright. 1984. Restoring our competitive edge: Competing through manufacturing. New York, NY: Wiley.
Hong, P., and Y.W. Park. 2014. Building network capabilities in turbulent competitive environments: Business success stories from the BRICs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
Kim, W.Chan, and Renee Mauborgne. 2005. Value innovation: A leap into the blue ocean. Journal of Business Strategy 26: 22–28.
Kogut, Bruce, and Edward H. Bowman. 1995. Modularity and permeability as principles of design. New York: Oxford University Press.
Kusunoki, Ken, and Henry W Chesbrough. 2001. Dynamic shift of product architecture: Trap of virtual organization (263–285). Tokyo: Yuhikaku.
Leavy, Brian. 2005. A leader’s guide to creating an innovation culture. Strategy & Leadership 33: 38–45.
Mosey, Simon. 2005. Understanding new-to-market product development in SMEs. International Journal of Operations & Production Management 25: 114–130.
Mosey, Simon, Jeremy N. Clare, and David J. Woodcock. 2002. Innovation decision making in British manufacturing SMEs. Integrated Manufacturing Systems 13: 176–184.
Park, Y.W. 2017. Business architecture strategy and platform-based ecosystems. Singapore: Springer.
Park, Young Won, and Paul Hong. 2012. Building network capabilities in turbulent competitive environments: Practices of global firms from Korea and Japan. US: CRC Press.
Pine II, B.J. 1993. Mass customization-the new frontier in business competition. Boston: Harvard Business Press.
Salavou, Helen, and Spyros Lioukas. 2003. Radical product innovations in SMEs: The dominance of entrepreneurial orientation. Creativity and innovation management 12: 94–108.
Schroeder, Roger G, and TN Lahr. 1990. Development of manufacturing strategy: a proven process. In Manufacturing strategy. Dordrecht: Springer.
Slack, Nigel, and Michael Lewis. 2002. Operations strategy. Financial Times Prentice Hall.
Souder, William E., and J. Daniel Sherman. 1994. Managing new technology development. US: Columbia University Press.
Suh, Nam P. 2001. Axiomatic design: Advances and applications. UK: Oxford University Press.
Ulrich, Dave, Wayne Brockbank, Arthur K. Yeung, and Dale G. Lake. 1995. Human resource competencies: An empirical assessment. Human Resource Management 34: 473–495.
Vereecke, Ann, and Steve Muylle. 2006. Performance improvement through supply chain collaboration in Europe. International Journal of Operations & Production Management 26: 1176–1198.
Wind, Jerry, and Vijay Mahajan. 1997. Issues and opportunities in new product development: An introduction to the special issue. Journal of Marketing Research 34: 1–12.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2019 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Park, Y.W., Hong, P. (2019). Developing Creative Innovators for Global Competitiveness in the Japanese Context. In: Creative Innovative Firms from Japan. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-1681-4_4
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-1681-4_4
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore
Print ISBN: 978-981-13-1680-7
Online ISBN: 978-981-13-1681-4
eBook Packages: Business and ManagementBusiness and Management (R0)