Nikon 2014 Annual Report Download - page 14

BUSINESS STRATEGY
CSR-Oriented Management
CSR activities that support growth
As a global enterprise, we consider it a matter of course to be mindful of the environment
and human rights and to act in the global common interest. We further endeavor to respond
adequately to social needs that may differ depending on the country or region.
The Nikon Group obtains approximately 85% of its net sales from outside of Japan.
About 60% of our employees, both Japanese and local hires, work outside Japan. We believe
the Group can sustain growth if our employees around the world are able to work in conditions
engendering high motivation. We are enlisting the support of every one of our employees to
We readily sow seeds in all areas to turn risks into opportunities.
One reason for the decline in demand for compact digital cameras has been the growth of
smartphones. Although this may always be considered a risk, it could also be viewed as a
business opportunity. With the spread of smartphones, the number of people taking pictures
at every chance has increased dramatically. In addition, once pictures have been taken,
sharing them on the Internet has become a simple and routine matter. Cameras were
expensive in the past, and children hardly touched them. Now, everyone, including children,
enjoys taking and sharing pictures. Simply put, we have ever-widening latent demand at
hand. Our task is to discover how users may take advantage of our products and services.
The Imaging Products Business has sown various seeds, including product development of
new concepts. At the earliest, these ideas may begin to contribute to our profi ts from the
fi scal year ending March 2016.
Competition may be stiff for selling semiconductor lithography systems, but through
R&D the performance of our products is a full notch above that of our competitors. Thanks
to our distinct improvements to previous equipment, we are luring customers our way.
With opportunities afforded by bringing in additional customers, inquiries from others are
increasing, so we are sowing even more seeds to gain a higher market share.
In the Instruments Business, we are also moving from a business model based primarily
on hardware sales to the provision of solutions. To that end, we are making a wide variety
of proposals.
To Our Stakeholders
with experience in the medical industry, M&A, or venture capital or an expert with
specialized knowledge.
Under the cost reduction program, we are scrutinizing design and manufacturing
processes and also reexamining our production framework from the ground up in step with
the redevelopment of our business portfolio. Moreover, we are searching for ways to cut
indirect costs across the Company and within business units.
12 NIKON REPORT 2014