Konica Minolta 2003 Annual Report Download - page 12

KONICA M INOLTA HOLDINGS, INC. 2 0 0 3
Pag e 10
Q. What is the role of the technical development company?
A. Toward the creation of new value in the imaging field, we will
take the initiative in developing technology strategies in all of our
business companies, driving the sophistication of our foundational
and leading-edge technologies, in our core technology domains:
optical, mechanical, materials, engineering, electronics, and
software. Furthermore, we will utilize the technologies thus
acquired to support the Group as a whole, by working beyond the
framework of individual companies to incubate new business
relating to everything from input to output, while also putting
efforts into building a technology knowledge management system.
Additionally, in order to improve the materials technology that is a
core competency of the enterprise group, we commenced
construction in June 2003 of a materials research laboratory within
our site in Hachioji, Tokyo. Our materials engineers have thus far
been largely isolated from one another. Now, we intend to develop
these technologies in a more efficient manner, by bringing them
together in the one place. We are also studying the possibilities of
building a Ubiquitous Imaging Research Laboratory, which would
focus on an emerging ubiquitous computing lifestyle, wherein
people will be able to access the Internet and other information
networks anytime and anywhere.
Q. What are your corporate governance policies?
A. In order to fulfill the holding company’s function, namely,
maximizing the Group’s corporate value, we must have
management that is fair and transparent with regard to our
stakeholders. As well, in order to make effective use of the capital
entrusted with us by our shareholders, and maximize the return on
that investment, it is incumbent upon us to separate managing
overview from business process execution, with the Board of
Directors and the managing executives carrying out their
respective duties in ways that are both just and sound. As well, we
must address these functions in a manner that is both speedy and
efficient. With these points in mind, we have adopted a company-
with-committees system, which Konica had adopted in June
Company-with-Committees System
Executive
Officers
Board of Directors
Executive Function Supervisory Function
Shareholders’ Meeting
The Nomination Committee determines the
candidates for director.
The Compensation Committee determines the
compensation of directors and executive officers.
The Auditing Committee further strengthens
compliance and risk management through an
internal regulation system while pursuing
management efficiency.
Assign
Assign
Audit
Nomination Committee
Compensation Committee
Auditing Committee
The Chairman of the Board will not concurrently take the post of executive officer.
A director who also takes the post of representative executive officer cannot become a Nomination Committee or Compensation Committee member.
Konica Minolta’s three committees consist of five members each, of which a majority must be external directors.