Sustainability
Innovation Management
R&D Expenses
NGK Group R&D Expenses
| FY2016 | FY2017 | FY2018 | FY2019 | FY2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R&D expenses (in millions of yen) |
18,653 | 21,100 | 23,271 | 22,928 | 22,448 |
| R&D expenses as a percentage of net sales (%) | 4.6 | 4.7 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
Open Innovation
The NGK Group uses open innovation as a means of facilitating collaborative new product development. We pursue open innovation through a variety of approaches, including joint development with outside partners, participation in demonstration testing carried out within the framework of bilateral national agreements, and obtaining unique technologies via acquisition of shares in other companies.
Examples of Open Innovation Initiatives
Efficiency improvement, cost reduction, sales creation
Contact with human resources, technology, and inventions; other positive results
Three Different Approaches
Collaboration with overseas partners (subnano-ceramic membranes)
Demonstration testing carried out within the framework of bilateral national agreements (NAS batteries)
Process Innovation
Within the NGK Group we undertake process innovation through a variety of approaches, including direct interlinkage of processes, process automation, and manufacturing method innovation. In fiscal 2020, our process innovation efforts contributed to an approximately 4% reduction in the cost of sales.