In light of the social challenges anticipated in 2035, the Mitsubishi Chemical Group has formulated KAITEKI Vision 35 and identified five business focus areas: a stable supply platform for green chemicals, eco-conscious mobility, advanced data processing and telecommunications, food quality preservation, and technology and equipment for new therapeutics. To accelerate innovation and enhance the probability of success across these areas, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation has established two key approaches.
Approach 1: Formulate and Apply Innovation Strategies Tailored to Diverse Markets and Business Environments
This approach involves classifying our innovation model into four distinct areas defined by customer value and technology to implement strategies that are aligned with the specific business models of each area. The four innovation areas are: developing new applications, developing next-generation products, exploring new frontiers, and existing businesses.
In developing new applications, we flexibly combine existing technologies and products to rapidly deliver solutions to increasingly complex and sophisticated customer challenges. Rather than starting from the product, we identify needs based on market demands and apply multiple technologies and products on a cross-functional basis. Speed and flexibility are essential, and we organically connect internal technology platforms and products to maximize customer value.
In developing next-generation products, we formulate product development roadmaps based on future needs and technological trends in our business focus areas as well as the strengths of our proprietary technologies. These roadmaps are shared both internally and externally with key customers to guide medium- to long-term product development. In this area, we refine technologies by anticipating future market needs while utilizing our strengths in material design and process technologies. We continuously update our roadmaps in response to market changes to avoid a roundabout route and accelerate commercialization.
In exploring new frontiers, we take an exploratory approach guided by future growth potential in areas where markets are still emerging and technologies have yet to be established. In this area, we go beyond our internal assets by actively leveraging external resources and collaborating with start-ups to explore uncharted territory. The essence of this innovation area is to discover value that lies beyond the scope of our existing businesses.
In existing businesses, we focus on improving productivity, ensuring stable product supply, and raising the quality of existing products and operations. Our business groups take the lead in driving R&D in this area, where technological development is centered on efficiency and reliability, requiring a distinct approach from other innovation areas.
In developing new applications, we flexibly combine existing technologies and products to rapidly deliver solutions to increasingly complex and sophisticated customer challenges. Rather than starting from the product, we identify needs based on market demands and apply multiple technologies and products on a cross-functional basis. Speed and flexibility are essential, and we organically connect internal technology platforms and products to maximize customer value.
In developing next-generation products, we formulate product development roadmaps based on future needs and technological trends in our business focus areas as well as the strengths of our proprietary technologies. These roadmaps are shared both internally and externally with key customers to guide medium- to long-term product development. In this area, we refine technologies by anticipating future market needs while utilizing our strengths in material design and process technologies. We continuously update our roadmaps in response to market changes to avoid a roundabout route and accelerate commercialization.
In exploring new frontiers, we take an exploratory approach guided by future growth potential in areas where markets are still emerging and technologies have yet to be established. In this area, we go beyond our internal assets by actively leveraging external resources and collaborating with start-ups to explore uncharted territory. The essence of this innovation area is to discover value that lies beyond the scope of our existing businesses.
In existing businesses, we focus on improving productivity, ensuring stable product supply, and raising the quality of existing products and operations. Our business groups take the lead in driving R&D in this area, where technological development is centered on efficiency and reliability, requiring a distinct approach from other innovation areas.
Approach 2: Cultivate Innovative Talent Who Will Lead the Chemical Industry
The second key approach is to cultivate innovative talent capable of discerning the essence of issues and proposing high-quality solutions. Creating new value to help resolve social challenges requires not only technical capabilities but also a deep understanding of customer needs and the ability to derive essential solutions through technology. This demands a solution-oriented mindset, a perspective that focuses on addressing societal issues rather than simply aiming to bring new products to market. Meanwhile, generative AI—having undergone remarkable advancements—is emerging as a central force in future innovation and business activities. This urges researchers to be the ones using AI to make decisions rather than being used by AI. In this context, we strive to cultivate talent that will drive innovation in the chemical industry, emphasizing these two pillars: fostering a strong solution-oriented mindset and equipping individuals with advanced digital technology skills.
Building on these two key approaches, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation aims to realize a KAITEKI future by integrating strategy, technology, and talent to help resolve social challenges through innovation.
Building on these two key approaches, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation aims to realize a KAITEKI future by integrating strategy, technology, and talent to help resolve social challenges through innovation.
