Strategies for adapting to technological change

Digital imaging, networking and displays are emerging technologies that are already having major impacts on traditional product segments from consumer and office electronics to computers and communications. They are at the heart of the convergence of previously independent product segments of video and still photography, television, computers, office machines (including fares, copiers and scanners), and communications devices. In this paper, the authors investigate the strategies of two key competitors, Kodak and Sony and the role of previous design, manufacturing, and market experience in the development of new strategies as well as the nature and timing of investment in new technologies and product lines.