NKT Phototonics A/S: Doing Business at the Technological Frontiers

Torben Pedersen, Githa Kurdahl

    Research output: Other contributionTeaching case

    Abstract

    To improve its profitability, NKT Photonics A/S (NKT), a small Danish company operating in the global photonics industry, was getting ready to undertake the commercialization process of its highly advanced optical fibre technology. NKT's chief executive officer (CEO) was considering two options for accomplishing this goal: (1) establishing strategic partnerships with system integrators in order to gain access to commercial customers, or (2) repositioning NKT as a system integrator by embarking on an acquisition strategy. Turning the company into a more commercial entity would mean a complete change of culture. It might also result in the loss of some top engineering and scientific minds and perhaps even the company's reputation. The CEO wondered if there a way to effectively introduce a business mindset to the organization while still preserving its innovation-based DNA.
    Original languageEnglish
    Publication date5 Nov 2016
    Place of PublicationLondon, ON
    PublisherIvey Publishing
    Number of pages11
    Publication statusPublished - 5 Nov 2016

    Keywords

    • Change management
    • Collaborative partnership
    • Value chain partnership
    • Disruptive innovation
    • Organizational culture
    • General management/strategy
    • International
    • Entrepreneurship

    Cite this