The key to LED lighting beyond technology research and development is innovation
Innovation is the result
"For a long time in the past, Philips Lighting has left people with the impression that it is a manufacturer of bulbs and components, focusing more on the B2B field." Lin Liangqi, general manager of the Greater China region of Philips Lighting Division, said very real.
As it says, Philips has been doing "transformation" in the past two years, and has been trying its best to reverse the traditional "light bulb" impression. Through in-depth insights into the needs of consumers and leading LED lighting technology, Philips Lighting has undergone a profound transformation in the past ten years: from a high-volume, low-value-added, technology-driven electronics company to a high-growth, high-addition Value, market-oriented company becomes a diversified company. However, if you want to ask what is the magic weapon of this arduous transformation? The people at Philips Lighting may only say two words, that is, innovation.
What exactly is innovation? The answer of Klaas Vegter, the global chief technology officer of Philips Lighting, is intriguing: “Innovation is different from invention. An invention can only be called a product or service when it is converted into a product or service and successfully put into the market to truly meet the needs of users and improve people’s quality of life. Innovation."
According to Klaas, the so-called "meaningful innovation" goes beyond pure technological research and development.
still take the company as an example. It is understood that Philips Lighting has a professional and complete innovation system, emphasizing the people-oriented concept. For example, the company specially established the innovation department of the Philips Application LED Lighting Technology Center, which uses innovation as the engine to coordinate and lead other departments to promote Philips' innovative practices. From strategy formulation, concept interpretation, product prototype, improvement to market launch, each step of this system is interlocked. At each stage, the opinions and feedback of end customers are fully considered, and it is centered on people's needs.
"We introduced a multidisciplinary team-from marketing, psychology, sociology, design to technology, not only through observing people's behavior in the actual environment to gain insight into consumer needs, but also through qualitative and quantitative research and repeated Verify, improve, and finally launch innovative products that meet consumer needs to the market,” KlaasVegter said. “Not only that, we also introduce an'open innovation' mechanism to achieve innovation results through division of labor and collaboration with partners and technology sharing. Enter the market at a faster speed and lower R&D cost."
In addition, in the eyes of people in the same industry, Philips Lighting has another unique point of innovation, which is its new platform for communication with end consumers in the field of home led lighting. It is reported that since 2008, Philips has opened nearly 200 lighting brand specialty stores and 1,500 shop-in-shops across the country, simulating the real home environment and making innovations in the way of product experience.
"How to accelerate the transformation to adapt to better technology? How to choose the required lighting fixtures in the right environment and the right place? How to install lighting devices in the park? How to save costs? How to develop lighting standards..." The question mark revealed the issues that many companies in the lighting industry are thinking about. People are finally beginning to realize that sustainable development is no longer a simple choice. "Not only are governments around the world taking different measures; the new light source and new energy industries are also responsible for this upgrade and transformation." Piet Derks, general manager of research and development of Philips Lighting (China), also told the media before that improving the efficiency of lighting is the industry Issues of urgency. This is why, for the led lighting industry, "innovation" means particularly profound.
Taking Philips Lighting as an example, the company replied to the reporter in an email: “Traditional LED lighting product manufacturers need to transform into end-customer, consumer-oriented comprehensive lighting solution providers (to cope with the industry’s innovative trends) )."
Perhaps, as KlaasVegter, the global chief technology officer of Philips Lighting, said: “The reason that truly differentiates an enterprise from its competitors and distinguishes itself is not only the technology, but more importantly, the in-depth insight into the needs of users and the market, and the The needs and desires of the people are transformed into innovative results.”
LED is the general trend of the lighting industry
As people have higher and higher requirements for the home environment and quality of life, the home LED lighting market is full of potential. "In the field of led lighting, we believe that high-efficiency and energy-saving lighting can help people cope with global challenges such as energy crisis and climate warming. At the same time, people-oriented innovative lighting solutions, especially the application of LED technology, can create safety and efficiency for people. , Comfortable and pleasant space atmosphere.” Lin Liangqi told reporters that in the future, the pursuit of home lighting in the field is the perfect combination of energy saving, beauty, fashion, comfort and health.
According to Philips' research results, compared with traditional lighting, LED lighting had a market share of 7% in 2008 and will reach 50% in 2015. By 2020, this number is expected to exceed 75%.
Following the trend, Philips said that it is very optimistic about the Chinese LED lighting market. 30% to 50% of the production will be carried out in China and more local employees will be hired to get closer to the Chinese market. In addition, various engineering applications will be carried out in many provinces and cities in China. "In order to better meet the special needs and consumption habits of local consumers, companies in the industry must continue to increase investment in local research and development." Philips Lighting pointed out to our reporter in an email.
It is reported that LED is not only efficient and energy-saving, but also enables lighting applications to achieve unprecedented breakthroughs and creativity. In recent years, Philips has taken the lead in applying LED technology to home lighting and has introduced many unique products to the market. In the China R&D Center of Philips Lighting LED, there are already more than 300 professional R&D personnel.
