Material Innovation in the Japanese Silver Market

J. Tomita
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J. Tomita: Toyo University

Chapter 31 in The Silver Market Phenomenon, 2008, pp 453-468 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract By means of a case study, this chapter argues what the material innovation process in the Japanese silver market should be like. Material suppliers are continuously attempting to contribute to an aging society through material innovation. Although they are not always successful in their intentions to meet the needs of users, they at times discover the actual needs of the users, which are slightly different from the perceived needs.Subsequently, these suppliers work on improving the new materials so as to meet the actual needs of users by developing a close contact with them. The case of superabsorbent polymer (SAP), studied in this chapter, is a typical example of this. We term this material innovation process an emergent process. The SAP “AQUALIC CA” launched on the market by Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., in 1983 is a raw material that facilitated the popularity of disposable diapers in the Japanese market. It also currently holds a large share in the American and European markets. However, it was not originally designed for use in disposable diapers, and the process it underwent from development to marketing was not linear. This case study describes how after failure in its technological development and supply agreements, success was finally achieved. Further, it indicates the effectiveness of developing evaluation technologies in the process through an end-user oriented approach. As a result, this study should prove to be a valuable aid in helping material suppliers in understanding effective innovation management.

Keywords: Acrylic Acid; Manufacturing Method; Phthalic Anhydride; Material Supplier; Superabsorbent Polymer (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2008
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-75331-5_31

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