New IT Business Models in the "Asian Age" - Multilateral Collaboration and Business Innovation

China, after its implementation of foreign direct investment policy in December 1978, has continued to receive investments from international companies, and this has been one of the primary driving engines behind the Asian business development. Electronics products originating either from U.S.A. or Europe have experienced tremendous industry shifts to the Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China. This paper examines, from the general perspective, the recent development of the Asian electronics industry and business models focusing on the personal computers and mobile communication products. Based on the analysis of the basic characteristics of the business models developed in Asia, future strategic directions for Japanese firms in the “Asian Age” will be discussed. Due to the interconnected global environment, the competition field has increasingly become leveled out. In the light of the global nature of the playing field, a multilateral collaboration approach will be emphasized and a complementary relationship will be sought.