Page 21

JAPANESE BUSINESS SHOWCASE 021“ EVEN AS COMPANIES PURSUE INNOVATION, WE MUST REMEMBER THAT WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO ENGAGE IN SOCIAL ISSUES RANGING FROM THE ENVIRONMENT TO HUMAN RIGHTS TO QUALITY OF LIFE”we have developed open recycling systems that transform used PET and milk bottles into high-performance materials. And recently we have undertaken development of a 3D laser radar system that has applications in autonomous driving and security systems. NEW ICT AND OPEN INNOVATION CLEAR A FASTER PATH TO SOLUTIONSDigitalization and advances in ICT and IoT are extending connectivity in ways that are spurring transformation and growth. Digital manufacturing, which Konica Minolta is currently implementing, links all areas of our business from development to production to sales. The gains in workflow and efficiency have been nothing less than remarkable. We are eliminating waste, conserving energy, and channeling the savings into new projects. This is truly the dawn of a new age in manufacturing.Deep learning and other AI technologies are accelerating businesses’ ability to find meaningful solutions in big data. For Konica Minolta, which is undergoing a transformation from traditional manufacturer to digital business solutions provider, advanced business analytics enable us to create more value-laden products and services and customize plans.Issues as pressing as the environment and a super-aging society require a sense of urgency. Proactive decision-making is essential. The way forward is open innovation: encouraging corporations, universities and start-up businesses to cooperate and unite their disparate strengths to devise innovative solutions on matters vital to society. Open innovation has been quietly spreading for years. But the advent of new ICT platforms for connectivity has greatly expanded its potential. Now is the time for industries, academic institutions and governments to set aside self-interest and in-house mentality and share our know-how to achieve creative solutions to the pressing issues of our times.Konica Minolta embraces open innovation through our Business Innovation Centers (BIC). Dispersed over five global regions, these specialized teams focus on issues of vital concern to humanity, shepherding ideas through to solutions that have the potential to change our world. In the spirit of open innovation, BIC works together with other corporations and organizations to give shape to new ideas for business and society. These budding alliances hold the promise of a future blossoming from creativity and cooperation.ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE IS OUR GREATEST RESPONSIBILITYIn bringing connectivity, technology has brought complexity, opportunity, and lightening-fast change to life. At the heart of it all are human needs and the desire for higher quality of life. Indeed, the greatest technological advances are empty without awareness of how they can enrich life. Today’s digital development promise people more time for creative endeavors. At the same time, businesses are rewriting the rules of engagement and leveraging information and know-how in ways that are upending conventional categories and transforming the way we live. Yet even as companies pursue innovation, we must remember that we have a responsibility to engage social issues ranging from the environment to human rights to quality of life. Konica Minolta aims to lead by example. We accept the challenge to enrich human life through innovation. ■ABOUT THE AUTHORShoei Yamana is President and CEO of Konica Minolta, Inc., a leading global technology company of creative minds that provides innovative solutions to business and society. With affiliates and branches in 50 countries and with over 40,000 employees, the Konica Minolta Group serves 150 countries worldwide. Under Mr Yamana’s leadership, Konica Minolta has transformed its operations to achieve business growth that accompanies reduction in environmental burden and improvement of quality of life. For four consecutive years Konica Minolta has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and for the past three years recognized by CDP in the Climate Disclosure Leadership Index.