Smart cards and product-development strategies in the electronics industry in Japan

Because studies of the motor-vehicle industry are numerous and well known, especially outside Japan, technology management practices that are specific to the auto industry are thought to be pervasive and nearly universal in Japan. However, by examining aspects of Toshiba's product-development strategies in smart-card technology, such as early integration of suppliers, mutually advantageous partnering, and so-called strong product-development organization, this research affirms that industry and line of business matter in product development, even in Japan.