On November 29, students from the Rome Business School had the opportunity to participate in a company meeting with Canon Italy, during which Alessandro Montanini, the company’s Marketing Director, shared valuable insights about corporate strategy and the innovations of one of the world’s leading players in photography and printing.
Founded in 1937 in Japan, Canon began its journey by developing a 35mm camera designed to compete with the most prestigious brands of the time. This marked the start of rapid and consistent growth, transforming Canon into a global leader in imaging. Today, the company is featured on the Fortune 500 list and stands out for its dedication to technological innovation, registering thousands of patents annually.
Canon operates a vast network of 330 subsidiaries and employs over 180,000 people worldwide. The company reinvests up to 8% of its sales into research and development, a commitment that has solidified its leadership in various technological sectors, setting the benchmark for quality, reliability, and forward-thinking solutions.
During the company meeting, Montanini emphasized that Canon’s success is deeply rooted in its corporate philosophy, Kyosei, a Japanese term meaning “living and working together for the common good.” This principle drives all of the company’s initiatives, influencing both its strategic decisions and corporate culture.
Kyosei fosters a harmonious and inclusive workplace where employees from diverse backgrounds collaborate to achieve shared goals. Canon has embedded Kyosei into its global operations, demonstrating a tangible commitment to local and international communities. The company’s extensive CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programs span education, sustainability, and social impact, making a significant positive difference in the communities it serves. This is a prime example of how CSR lies at the heart of Canon’s corporate strategy.
Canon boasts a diverse portfolio of cutting-edge products and solutions recognized globally for their quality, versatility, and reliability. As a leader in imaging, the company excels in high-quality cameras and lenses designed for both professionals and enthusiasts, along with innovative printers tailored for home and professional use.
The company has also established a strong presence in medical imaging, offering advanced diagnostic solutions, and in semiconductor lithography, a critical technology for the electronics industry. Canon’s relentless drive for sustainability and innovation continues to redefine technical possibilities, aiming to “print the world” and shape the future of imaging across numerous industries.
Another key point highlighted by Montanini was Canon’s commitment to sustainability. The company strives to reduce its environmental impact by integrating sustainability into every stage of production, aiming for net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 in alignment with the Paris Agreement. Canon is also actively engaged in social projects such as the “Young People Programme” and the “Miraisha Programme,” which empower global communities and promote equitable and creative development.
For Canon, sustainability is not just a responsibility but also a driver of innovation, encouraging the exploration of new materials and environmentally friendly technologies.
Montanini also shared valuable reflections on inclusiveness and corporate values, encouraging students to consider the importance of these principles in their professional lives.
He emphasized the significance of embracing change, a principle Canon applies not only to technological innovation but also to fostering a workplace environment that values diversity.
Students learned the importance of communicating their personal values—a crucial aspect for Canon when selecting employees. Montanini explained that the company seeks individuals with strong values, curiosity, and an open-minded approach, capable of adapting to an ever-evolving environment.
With its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusiveness, Canon demonstrates that progress extends beyond technology to encompass a corporate culture that is open, inclusive, and deeply rooted in values. This message will undoubtedly inspire Rome Business School students to implement these principles in their future careers.
