Selection and evaluation of research themes in the early stage, and how to identify promising technologies.

A thorough explanation of the methods for selecting research and development themes in the early stages, which can significantly influence the growth of a company!

**[Lecture Summary]** Currently, when looking at the products that Japanese companies are introducing to the market, many companies are launching similar functional products in a single product category. For example, flat-screen TVs, personal computers, mobile phones, many home appliances, gyudon (beef bowls), and groceries can be cited. This situation is referred to as parallel competition, where customers find that there is little added value regardless of which product they purchase, leading them to choose based on their preferred brand or lower price. The parallel low-price competition triggered by these companies has resulted in deflation. Indeed, it presents a situation where a survival strategy for Japanese companies is necessary. For Japanese companies, an important countermeasure is to create unique innovations and find ways to break away from parallel competition. To generate unique and excellent innovations, early-stage research management is crucial. This seminar will focus on this phase and clearly present specific management methods and know-how from a practical perspective.

Management Seminar