Seminar Series: Technology Trends 2007
Innovation at Cochlear
Dr Paul Carter, Innovation Manager,
Cochlear
The story of Cochlear Ltd is undeniably a successful one. Starting
out as a four person team in the late 70's it has grown at an average
of 15-20% per annum to its present turnover of half a billion dollars.
It employs 1500 people worldwide, exports 97% of its product and
has restored the gift of hearing to nearly 100,000 people so far.
And yet its culture is a conservative one. The demands of operating
in a highly regulated market and the desire to maintain a clear
quality lead over its competitors mean it is only too aware of the
cost of getting it wrong. Yet as we move into an era of ever more
rapid change in the environment, the threat of low cost competitors
and the demands that 20% growth places on the organisation, how
will it maintain its high quality and stay flexible enough to cope
with these changes? This talk will first examine the ground-breaking
technology behind the cochlear implant and will then look at some
the innovation measures Paul has introduced at Cochlear to ensure
it is ready to meet this challenge.
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