PDF, 2492 KB - Roland Berger Strategy Consultants

Study 35Until very recently, innovation was almost exclusively anadvanced economy competitive advantage. No longer. Emergingcountries and prominent companies are raising public and privateR&D budgets to fund innovation. And emerging markets' share ofglobal R&D spend is set to climb significantly over the next coupleof decades.Important R&D hubs are now appearing on every continentas manufacturers seek to create products catering to culturaldiversity. Emerging market customers are much moresophisticated and demanding. The lowest-cost, stripped-downproducts and a "one-size-fits-all" mentality are strategiesof the past. Today, reliable performance across a narrow set offunctions, moderate price and excellent value make frugalproducts the most visible sign of emerging market innovation.Many multinationals from developed nations are in the midst of anorganizational transition to support much more localized productdesign, engineering and manufacturing. This transformation isan essential step toward manufacturing frugal products that canattract the low- to mid-end customers who will account formost emerging market sales in the coming decades. And throughre verse innovation some of these products will win new cus tom ersin advanced economies.Emerging markets are looking to encourage innovation throughlegal, regulatory and economic assistance. The pace will vary fromcountry to country, but emerging country R&D hubs are alreadypart of the next wave of globalization. Whether through independentinitiatives or by joining research ventures, Europeanmanufacturers should make frugal products and emerging marketinnovation part of their global strategy.