Corporate Strategy, Public Policy and New Technologies: Philips and the European Consumer Electronics Industry

This volume examines the key factors which have determined the success or failure of new technologies and the global competitiveness of firms within a major European consumer industry. It traces the reciprocal influences of Philips and of European Community policymaking on each other since the 1970s. The core of the text focuses on detailed case studies of three major technological initiatives, and analyzes the reasons for their success or failure: the European VCR industry; Philips and the development of the European HDTV; and Philips’ CD-i project. The author emphasizes that the strategies and policies discussed were adopted largely in response to the global challenge from the USA and, above all, Japan.