Title: Strategic management of technology in Japanese firms: literature review

Authors: Sam Kurokawa, Karol I. Pelc, Kenzo Fujisue

Addresses: Department of Management, LeBow College of Business, Drexel University, 101 N 33rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. ' School of Business and Economics, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931–1295, USA. ' Department of Systems Innovation, School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Abstract: This paper reviews literature on strategic management of technology in Japanese firms. The paper is divided into five sections, namely: technology strategy; inter-firm technological relations; knowledge management; new product development; and Japanese innovation system and policy. We examine literature on technology strategy, including, general strategy, studies on de facto standard, global technology strategy, and studies on small high-tech firms. Then, we investigate inter-firm relations, such as keiretsu and supplier management, technological alliances, spin-offs, and R&D consortia. Finally, we review studies on new product development processes and tools, and technology policy, followed by implications for further research.

Keywords: strategic management; technology management; Japanese management; literature review; Japan; new product development; NPD; technology strategy; inter-firm technological relations; innovation systems; innovation policy; high-tech firms; high technology; small firms; keiretsu; supplier management; spin-offs; technological alliances.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2005.006708

International Journal of Technology Management, 2005 Vol.30 No.3/4, pp.223 - 247

Published online: 04 Apr 2005 *

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