Strategies for Asia's new competitive game

Abstract

Purpose

To explore the implications of the fundamental forces that are reshaping the competitive playing field in Asia and the strategies required to win in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is draws on detailed fieldwork and consulting assignments with Asian companies, backed by the author's 20 years of experience working in Asia to analyze the key competitive changes and provide a framework for developing successful strategic responses.

Findings

Four fundamental changes are underway that are reshaping the competitive game in Asia: the demise of asset speculators; the rapid development of China scattering the traditional “flying geese” pattern of development; the breakdown of barriers that traditionally protected Asia's national economic baronies; and the decay of “me‐too” strategies. New strategies are therefore called for.

Practical implications

In the new Asian competitive environment, successful strategies will include the following elements: a new productivity drive; renewed focus on brand building and service quality; reaping more cross‐border synergies and driving industry consolidation; and re‐locating innovation activities into in Asia. Although the mix of these strategic options will vary by business, it will take a different kind of company to succeed Asia's next round of competition.

Originality/value

The paper provides a forward‐looking perspective on how to compete in one of the world's most dynamic regions and lays out the strategic options for companies in the new competitive game that has begun.

Citation

Williamson, P.J. (2005), "Strategies for Asia's new competitive game", Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. 26 No. 2, pp. 37-43. https://doi.org/10.1108/02756660510586328