What the Japanese have learned from strategic alliances

Abstract

Abstract The major vehicle manufacturers are facing an increasingly turbulent environment. A depressed world economy, rapidly changing technologies and the move towards globalization have brought strong challenges to the key players. One response to these conditions has been the formation of various types of collaborative ventures, in particular, strategic alliances. This article explores the lessons learnt by Japanese companies involved in strategic alliance activity. The nature of Japanese collaborative activity has changed in every decade since the 1950s, from being concerned primarily with gaining technological know-how from overseas to focusing on growing sales in a world market. Because no manufacturer, however large, can take on the huge investment required to dominate the global market, alliance activity is forecast to grow in importance.