Episode 11 • 7/31/2025
皆さん、こんにちは、Sakuraです。
こんにちは、Peterです。
今日のテーマは、「高齢」日本企業が陥る「構造的イノベーションの罠」だよ。ちょっと難しそうだけど、一緒に考えて行きましょう！
Today's topic is about the "trap of structural innovation" that mature Japanese companies fall into. It sounds a bit challenging, but let's explore this together!
そうだね。まず、今日のキーフレーズを紹介するよ。それは、「研究開発」（Kenkyu Kaihatsu）と「変革を起こす」（Henkaku O Okosu）だよ。
The first key phrase is "Kenkyu Kaihatsu," which translates to "research and development." It's a crucial aspect of many businesses, especially those in the tech and scientific industries.
そうだね。「研究開発」は新しい製品やサービスを生み出すためにビジネスが行う作業を指すんだ。たとえば、「この企業は研究開発に多くの資金を投じている」って使うことができるよ。
The second key phrase is "Henkaku O Okosu," which means "bring about change" or "initiate transformation." This phrase is often used in a business context to discuss significant changes or reforms.
ほんとうにそうだね。「変革を起こす」は大きな変化や改革を話す時によく使われるよ。「彼は会社の変革を起こすために努力している」って使うこともできるよ。
Now let's dive into the article. It discusses the challenges that "mature" or long-standing Japanese companies face when it comes to innovation.
そうだね。記事によると、企業が長く存続するほど、新しいアイデアが出にくくなるという。これは特に「研究開発」が硬直化する傾向にあると言ってるね。
That's right. The article suggests that as businesses age, their realm of research and development tends to become more rigid, making it increasingly difficult to generate new ideas.
そして、それはイノベーションの減少につながる可能性があるんだ。だから「変革を起こす」ことが重要になるわけだね。
Exactly. The need to "bring about change" or "initiate transformation" becomes crucial in such situations. But it's not easy, especially for businesses that have been operating in a certain way for a long time.
そうだね。でも、日立やソニーのような企業は成功例として挙げられているね。彼らは研究開発や事業の領域を戦略的に変革したんだ。
Yes, companies like Hitachi and Sony have been successful in strategically changing their areas of research and development and business.
例えば、「ソニーは研究開発の領域を変革し、新しい製品を生み出した」や、「日立は既存の事業領域を変革して成功を収めた」って言うことができるね。
Absolutely. These are great examples of using our key phrases in real-life situations.
そんなわけで、今日のテーマについての議論はこれで終わりだね。皆さん、学びの時間を共有してくれてありがとう！
Thanks for joining us today, everyone. We hope this has helped you understand the challenges of innovation in long-standing companies and the importance of initiating change. See you next time!
また次回お会いしましょう！それでは、さようなら！
Join Sakura and Peter as they delve into the trap of structural innovation that mature Japanese companies face. Explore the key phrases "Kenkyu Kaihatsu" (research and development) and "Henkaku O Okosu" (initiate transformation) for valuable insights. Discover how the rigidity in research and development can hinder innovation and the importance of embracing change. Uncover the challenges and significance of innovation in the business world. Let's learn together!