Integrated Report 2019

42/110

40LINTEC INTEGRATED REPORT 2019StrategyResearch and Development 3 The Stage Gate SystemUnder this system, R&D themes are divided into the five stages of conception, examination, incubation, R&D, and product development. Rigorous screening is performed at each stage to determine whether to advance the theme to the next stage or to cancel it. The aim is to steadily and quickly give shape to each theme, preventing setbacks in develop-ment through full verification at key points. A central role is played by the R&D Strategy Dept., which works from a long-term perspective to analyze technology trends in each industry and to search for development directions. In addi-tion, close coordination is implemented by the Research Center, the respective business operations, and the New Project Planning Office, an in-house, cross-sectional market-ing unit that was newly established in the previous year. In these ways, we are working to create new value in response to the change of customer needs and markets.Stage Gate SystemConceptionExaminationIncubationR&DProduct DevelopmentCorporateResearchBusinessOperationsMedium- andLong-TermThemesBusiness OperationsBusiness OperationsNew Materials Research Dept., Product Research Dept.New Materials Research Dept., Product Research Dept.New Project Planning OfficeNew Project Planning OfficeR&D Strategy Dept.R&D Strategy Dept.CheckpointCheckpointCheckpointCheckpoint 2 One-stop developmentThis approach involves simultaneously advancing the devel-opment of new materials and the development of processes for mass production. Through the introduction of large-scale pilot coaters and release agent coating equipment that closely resemble the production facilities in plants, LINTEC’s Research Center is able to acquire data, such as data regarding mixtures of adhesives and release agents needed for mass production and environmental conditions for coating. We have had significant success in increasing the speed of development up to mass production.Large-scale pilot coater