<departmental bulletin paper>
Evolution of a Small and Medium-sized Enterprise in a Peripheral Area of Japan into a Hidden Champion
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Abstract | This paper examines the question of whether it is possible for a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) to evolve into a hidden champion, even if it is located in a peripheral area and even if it had... no special technology when it started up. If it is possible, we should ask how an SME can do it and if there is some special relationship between its evolution and its local environment. This paper examines the evolution of an SME located in a rural area of Kyushu, a peripheral area of Japan, into a hidden champion. The company achieved the innovations supporting its evolution by responding to the voices of its customers and collaborating with other SMEs. While the local environment played an important role in the first stage of its evolution, its role was not as important in the incremental technological developments that were decisive for evolving into a hidden champion. Nevertheless, the local social environment is meaningful for further evolution of the SME, because the SME with good reputation in a peripheral area can recruit talented youth much easier than those in the metropolitan areas. We should, however, recognize that company’s evolution is to be realized by interactive learning between its employees and their customers.show more |
Table of Contents | 1. Introduction 2. Geographical distribution of innovative SMEs in Japan 3. Case study of an innovative SME in a peripheral area of Japan 3.1. Economic environment of the town of Kashima 3.2. A previous research on Mori Iron Works 3.3. Mori Iron Works’ key product: fine-blanking press 3.4. History of Mori Iron Works 3.5. Market for fine-blanking presses and business policy of Mori Iron Works 4. Conclusion |
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Created Date | 2021.04.09 |
Modified Date | 2022.02.10 |