Based on in-depth study of the electronics giant Philips, Corporate Strategy, Public
Policy and New Technologies examines the key factors which have determined the
success or failure of new technologies and the global competitiveness of firms within a major
European consumer industry. Drawing on the insights gained from intensive empirical
research into the company's growth, structure and competitive strategy, the book traces the
reciprocal influences of Philips and of European Community policymaking on each other and
on the development of the industry since the 1970s.
The core of the book focuses on
detailed case studies of three major technological initiatives, and analyses the reasons for
their success or failure: the European VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) industry and Philips'
VCR 2000 format; Philips and the development of the European HDTV (High Definition
Television) system; and Philips' CD-i (Compact Disc-interactive) project. All three studies
raise important issues of competition, collaboration, technology and the role of public policy,
with a firm theoretical grounding in the most relevant and up-to-date academic
research.
In addition to providing an instructive analysis of the performance of an industry
at the levels of the firm, the state and the European Community, the book emphasises that the
strategies and policies discussed were adopted largely in response to the global challenge
from the USA and, above all, Japan.