Design is increasingly ?an agent of change? at Royal Philips Electronics, says Stefano Marzano.
The Dutch conglomerate?s chief creative director said industrial design had evolved over the past decade as a differentiating and strategic business competence at Philips, a company once known mainly for its lighting, TV and shaving products.
?Whatever we have done is turning up on the bottom line of the company, transforming its culture,? said Mr Marzano, who is also chief executive at Philips Design.
Philips is one of the world?s biggest electronics companies, with more than 150,000 employees worldwide. The company posted sales of ?30.3 billion ($275.25 billion) last year from its more than 60 businesses.
?Design has now become a real driver of innovation,? Philips president and chief executive Gerard Kleisterlee said recently.
?I?m talking about design as a closely integrated part of Philips, creating innovative solutions by working together closely with all the businesses by sharing skills, technologies and ideas.?
