JVC 2002 Annual Report Download - page 26

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ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 0 22 4
R&D ACTIVITIES
The company’s R&D organization comprises the
Technology Development Division, which functions
as the JVC Group's corporate laboratory, laboratories
administered by each Group company and the
Technology Section in the Operations Division. The
Technology Development Division is responsible for
developing core technology, systems technology
and next-generation devices that embody the
company’s long-term vision, and for accumulating
LSI design and development technologies needed
for next-generation products. Each Group company
laboratory is responsible for next-generation product
development in their respective fields, including
systems, hardware, software and devices in the areas
of digital audio-visual products, multimedia, digital
broadcasting and communications networks. The
Technology Section in the Operations Division, works
closely with Group companies to design and com-
mercialize products developed by Group company R&D
organizations. Overseas, the JVC Laboratory of
America and the JVC Singapore R&D Center, are
mainly involved in the development of networks and
software. JVC is currently strengthening its international
R&D structure.
R&D costs decreased 7.1%, or ¥3.1 billion, to
¥41.0 billion (US$308 million). The ratio of R&D
costs to net sales fell from 4.7% in the previous
fiscal year, to 4.3%.
PERSONNEL
As of March 31, 2002, the number of employees at
consolidated Group companies totaled 34,183, a
decline of 1,371 from the previous year. This decrease
reflected efforts to reorganize the company’s facilities
through selection and concentration.