The Role of Imitation in Global HighTech （在全球高科技的角色模仿）.pdf

© SYMPHONYA Emerging Issues in Management, n. 1, 2012 www.unimib.it/symphonya The Role of Imitation in Global High-Tech Product Development∗ ∗∗ ∗∗∗ Carlos S. Baradello , Andrea Salazzaro Abstract Innovation is historically linked to the creation of large departments of Research Development (RD) that require large investments in assets. With markets globalization, the department of RD remains one of the pillars of innovation, but it needs a rethinking of the management. The new RD department needs to change by a vision of closing within the corporate boundaries to an opening view to the outside. Product development is carried out through several conducts taken by companies ranging from Reverse RD processes to collaborations with direct competitors for the sharing of risks and knowledge. Generally, and more precisely in high-tech industry, technological advancements and the ability to develop fast-cycle processes by followers are generating an abatement of the timely barriers that allowed first movers to maintain competitive advantages; so, in global markets, the management of imitative strategies becomes of primary importance. Keywords: Product Imitation; Product Innovation; Global Competition; Global Product Development; High-Tech Industry 1. Global Product Development The ability of an enterprise to introduce successful products or services in a timely manner is of paramount importance in generating the firm revenues and profitability and key to creating shareholder value. In recent decades, product introduction has become a synchronized occurrence across global markets1, tackling