Innovation and New Product Development Case Study

Olympus' 'Creative Destruction': Tsuyoshi Kikukawa Revamping the Innovation Process

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Abstract:
Since his appointment as the President of Olympus in 2001, Tsuyoshi Kikukawa has introduced the concept of ‘creative destruction’ wherein each department and every employee is allowed to critically examine the existing processes in the company and reinvent them if required. In 2003, Kikukawa also established the Future Creation Laboratory in Tokyo, conducting various research projects and creating sustainable competitive edge for Olympus by focusing on product development for the future.

Pedagogical Objectives:

• To discuss the merits and demerits of the tradition of innovation at Olympus
• To discuss Tsuyoshi Kikukawa's strategy to revamp the innovation process in the company.

Keywords : Innovation Management Case Study, Olympus, Japan, Innovation, Product development strategy, Research and development, Future Creation Laboratory, Creative Destruction, Digital camera business, Tsuyoshi Kikukawa

Contents:

• Introduction
• Olympus: A tradition in innovation
• Microscopes
• Camera
• Endoscopes
• Tsuyoshi kikukawa: Revamping innovation through "Creative Destruction"