Post by Santosh Puthran on Oct 18, 2005 19:37:20 GMT
Our view of business is that when we develop a new process or device, we want to make something with it. If we look upon an invention merely as something clever, or as an academic exercise, it is of little benefit to anyone. We believe it is important to use the technology we have to create products that people can use. This is my theory of the three creativities: the creativity of technology, of product planning, and of marketing that I have mentioned earlier. The electronics industry has unique advantage: because of technological advancement, we can create completely new things – the auto makers can’t do it. We can make things that didn’t exist before and show people how these things can enrich their lives.
But I must say the first meeting of competition companies in Europe has its trying moments. At our first session, the Japanese side made various presentations on future technologies. A European delegate said, ‘Wait a minute, you are not talking about consumer electronics at all – you are talking about high technology. That has nothing to do with consumers.’
I responded, ‘Oh, no, that is where the mistake is. You see, in ten years what you now call high technology will be in use in the hands of consumers.’ He still didn’t get it. ‘You mean that in ten years time high technology and the consumer industry will become one?’ He asked.
‘No,’ I said, it’s not quite that way. In ten years’ time what we call high technology will be different from today’s’ high technology. So what we call high tech today will soon become ordinary, usable technology in the hands of the consumers, perhaps your customers.’ Only a few years ago, nobody could imagine that they would have lasers working for them in their home.
- Akio Morita.. Made in Japan.