Interfirm Networks in the Japanese Electronics Industry / Edition 1

by Ralph Paprzycki

Overview

Interfirm Networks in the Japanese Electronics Industry analyses changes in production networks in the Japanese electronics industry. Japan's post-war success in the assembly industries is frequently attributed to innovative approaches to the organization of production: Japanese assemblers have tended to forge intricate networks of long-term interfirm business relationships. Traditionally, these networks have been characterized by hierarchical interfirm relationships resembling a pyramid. Paprzycki argues that as a result of global industry dynamics, such monolithic 'pyramidal' production networks have come under mounting pressure and are giving way to an increasing diversity of network arrangements. A major contributing factor is the growing cost and complexity of technology, which forces even the largest manufacturers to look beyond traditional network boundaries in order to gain access to complementary (technological) assets and capabilities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415336741
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/15/2004
Series:	The University of Sheffield/Routledge Japanese Studies Series
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr Ralph Michael Paprzycki is currently a research fellow at Hitotsubashi University, Tokyo.

Table of Contents

List of tables List of figures Acknowledgements 1. Introduction 2. The Organization of Production: Theoretical considerations on networks and innovation 3. 'Pyramidal' Production Networks in the Japanese Electronics Industry 4. The Japanese Electronics Industry in the Context of Domestic and Global challenges 5. Pyramids under Pressure - Some evidence on Aggregate trends in Network Arrangements 6. Overseas Production of low-end Consumer Products 7. Personal Computers 8. Digital Cameras 9. Conclusion Bibliography