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Beyond the inflection point: how and why individuals promote inventions in Japan

Author

Listed:
  • Miikka J. Lehtonen

    (Aalto University)

  • Ainomaija Haarla

    (Aalto University)

  • Masaaki Kotabe

    (Temple University)

Abstract

While Japan is one of the most innovative countries in the world, it has experienced a prolonged stagnant economic growth in the last 20 years. The development of new products and/or services has become critical for future economic growth. However, we know little about how individuals disseminate and legitimize inventions for new product and/or service development in Japan. This paper bridges this gap by looking at how and why material scientists, architects, and designers promote new inventions in Japan. We identified three novel roles (initiator, integrator, and interpreter) individuals take upon themselves to legitimize new uses for raw materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Miikka J. Lehtonen & Ainomaija Haarla & Masaaki Kotabe, 2020. "Beyond the inflection point: how and why individuals promote inventions in Japan," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 19(5), pages 505-529, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:abaman:v:19:y:2020:i:5:d:10.1057_s41291-019-00073-3
    DOI: 10.1057/s41291-019-00073-3
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