Japan's Computer and Communications Industry: The Evolution of Industrial Giants and Global Competitiveness (Japanese Business and Economics) [Hardcover]

Martin Fransman (Author)

Book Description

Series: Japanese Business and Economics | Publication Date: December 28, 1995

This work draws on and extends the theoretical framework developed by such authors as Richard Nelson, Sidney Winter, David Teece, Alfred Chandler, Nathan Rosenberg, and Christopher Freeman, through an empirical analysis of the evolution of the Japanese information and communications (IC) industry. Particular attention is paid to the development of a theory of the firm which is consistent with this empirical objective.

The Japanese IC industry contains three main segments: computers and software, thelecommunications equipment, and semiconductors. The work asks: How did such Japanese companies as NTT, NEC, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Toshiba, and Sumitomo Electric manage to catch up and become some of the largest companies in the world. Why have they not been as successful in global markets as their counterparts in consumer electronics and automobiles? What role was played by NTT's system of controlled competition and by MITI?

Based on over 600 personal interviews over eight years with Japanese leaders, this book provides new analyses and empirical material on this crucial industry.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Should be requred reading for anyone interested or involved in the evolution of the most dynamic industry in the 20th century...Fransman integrates complex interrelated developments in technology, management, and government policy in a most impressive manner...An outstanding piece of work."--Alfred D. Chandler, Jr., Straus Professor of Business History, Emeritus, Harvard University

"There are few formidably large books that have such a good excuse for being so bulky....The treatment is of the concrete and down-to-earth kind that makes the subject come alive...The analysis of 'controlled competition' is one of the best things in the book. Altogether, a first-rate piece of work."--Ronald Dore, London School of Economics

"A major contribution in our understanding of the evolution of japanese capabilities in computers and telecommunications....It is must-reading for anyone who wants to understand both the success and the weakness of Japan in these key industries."--Richard Nelson, Columbia University

"An excellent book...It provides by far the best account of the evolution of Japanese computer and telecommunications companies...It is also a major contribution to the theoretical and empirical literature on industrial innovation."--Chris Freeman, Emeritus Professor of Science and Technology, SPRU, University of Sussex

"With an observant eye for detail, Professor Fransman brings to life the successes and shortcomings of Japan's efforts in computing and communications. While the largely self-contained case studies offered by this authoritative volume deserve attention by themselves, interested readers will find even greater reward from the composite picture they present of Japan's search for economic advantage from information technologies."--Arno Penzias, AT&T Bell Labs

About the Author

Martin Fransman is Director of the Institute for Japanese-European Technology Studies (JET), at the University of Edinburgh.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 568 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (December 28, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198233337
• ISBN-13: 978-0198233336
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #582,758 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Good in Understanding Japan's Computer Industry, December 14, 2008

By 

Wong Yin Shing "Nicho Wong" (Hong Kong / Singapore) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Japan's Computer and Communications Industry: The Evolution of Industrial Giants and Global Competitiveness (Japanese Business and Economics) (Kindle Edition)

That book is a very detailed research covering the development of computer and communication industry in Japan. Information is fruitful and useful. The author have interviewed many related persons in the fields too. You will know and understand the relationship between the Japanese government, NTT, NEC and Fujitsu companies and how they grow up and became an industry grant and dominant power. Since this is published in 1995, the later development, such as NTT Docomo or how the Japanese PC manufacturer get a significant global market share is not covered. Hope other people have follow-up research.