This paper is focused to the Japanese perspective on global development of R&D. It will provide some insight as to how top management in Japan views the globalisation of R&D and what their expectations are for Sony's R&D efforts in Europe. Sony cannot be seen as a traditional Japanese company. Sony does not belong to a "Keiretsu". It is a relatively young company and just celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. If one looks at Sony's world-wide sales figures, the Japanese market generates only 28percent of its sales. This is comparatively less than other Japanese multinationals. The U.S., including Canada, makes up some 30percent of the sales, while Europe accounts for 22percent and the rest of the world accounts for 20percent. It is safe to say that Sony is among the most international companies in business today.
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