The Commerce of Ageing

Abstract

Innovation is not restricted to scientific and technological advancement. As businesses and national economies have shown repeatedly, the redevelopment or redeployment of an old idea, traditional manufacturing or service provision can bring impressive economic changes and opportunities. Moreover, innovation rooted In an understanding of regional or national sucio-cultural dynamics can be crucial to both the business environment and the broader society, Japan’s efforts to address urban and environmental challenges have generated creative responses, as has the attention given to urban and inter-urban transportation. While some of these developments involve cutting-edge science and technology, most originate from the applications, processes and products of old. By identifying new market niches, by responding to pressing societal needs and by understanding the need to adapt to socio-economic realities, individual businesses and national economies ensure that they stay competitive.