Continual Input with Open Innovation at Fujitsu Technology Solutions
As part of the representative Plus 3 group for Fujitsu Technology Solutions, it was especially important to note the company’s strategies. While the company was recently bought out by Fujitsu and much of the company was still uncertain about its future as it transitioned from “Fujitsu Siemens” to “Fujitsu Technology Solutions”, one of their emphasized strategies that they planned to maintain was “open innovation”. This business and engineering strategy involves taking the next ideas from outside the company research and development department.
Fujitsu Technology Solutions aims to step towards the next level of technological development by taking inspiration from sources of “lead users” – people who have a specific need and improve on their technology based on their special needs. In turn, Fujitsu Technology Solutions attempts to expand this need to a larger market, giving the masses a chance to use these new ideas and new technologies on an expanded level. Engineers continue learning through people who may not be specialists, like blind mountaineers who adapt notebooks for longer battery life and detachable keyboards, or Antarctic scientists who require extreme temperature resistant technologies. It shows that even after completing a degree or program, life-long learning is needed in this industry, and from all different aspects of life.
The company believes that they can become the leaders of technology development through listening to the ideas of “lead users” under this concept of “open innovation”. In addition to being constantly updated to the latest technological advancements, engineers at Fujitsu Technology Solutions are aiming to be one step ahead of the game and seek out the next big idea. Their concept of “open innovation” shows me that I should constantly keep in mind that inspiration and innovation can come anywhere, and as an engineer, I should not just attempt to find solutions to my problems simply from my education and past experiences.