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New Product Development at Canon: The Contact Sensor Project

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New Product Development at Canon: The Contact Sensor Project
http://harvardbusinessonline.hbsp.harvard.edu/b02/en/common/item_detail.jhtml?id=396247

New Product Development at Canon: The Contact Sensor Project Publication Date: Mar 25, 1996
Availability: In Stock
Author(s): Joseph L. Bower, Michael Partington Type: Case (Field)
Product Number: 396247
Language: English
Length: 27p

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AT CANON

THE CONTACT SENSOR PROJECT

AUTHOR(S): BOWER, JOSEPH L.; PARTINGTON, MICHAEL INTRODUCTION
Merriam-Webster defines the word “Canon” as an accepted principle or rule, a criterion or standard of judgment, a body of principles, rules, standards, or norms. In today’s world Canon has been one of the most innovative high technology companies and has epitomized the business Information products, cameras, optical and other products. Innovation has been a key to Canon 's success throughout its history. Canon is one of the most prolific inventors of consumer and professional imaging solutions. Between 1989 and 1993, Canon was among the top six companies for total number of patents received annually in United States. The company conducts R&D in five centers internationally (UK, US, France and Australia) as well as numerous sites within Japan, and has used globalization, alliances and innovation in a well-coordinated manner. Canon prides itself in being the first to market a number of consumer and personal products that we use in our every day lives. Figure 1 illustrates new products successfully launched by Canon. It is Canon’s strategic focus on innovation that has led them to be a corporate leader and one of the most prolific new product companies.

INNOVATION AT WORK:
Canon is a leader in both technological as well as corporate innovation. The company adheres to the Japanese philosophy of kyosei, meaning living and working together for a common good. Canon entered Phase III of its Excellent Global Corporation Plan, a mid- to long-term management plan that outlines the company’s

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