ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the cases of technological integration across the boundaries between different organizations and technologies through the examples of Sharps world-first camera phone developed in Japan, and the company's One seg Aquos mobile telephone innovation. Although a major Japanese appliance maker, Sharp only became involved in mobile telephone development and sales about 10 years ago, comparatively late compared to other companies. However, the new device also required technology to mount some 50 parts including the miniature camera module and special chip on a compact circuit board. Meanwhile, the technology division had fortunately already set out on a technological road map into fundamental research for a compact TV tuning device for elemental mobile technology, and immediately set about producing a One seg mobile phone tuner module. The power of harmony enriches boundary vision corporate capability and gives rise to the organizational systems of urgent and cross-functional projects, and encourages the merging of technologies within companies.