This book brings together the work of leading international researchers in the field of product innovation and development. Competitive success between firms nearly always depends on what new products they can develop and bring to market. Some contributors examine broad issues related to the impact of information technology and the role that social factors play in the successful development of products; they also describe the ways that Japanese firms develop products internationally. Others explore product development in the automobile, biotechnology, photolithographic, and textile machinery industries. The book thus provides a powerful guide to successful product development for firms in diverse industries.