PRODUCT DESIGN IN LATECOMER FIRMS: CASE OF TURKISH MEDICAL DEVICE INDUSTRY

Abstract

Medical devices is a new and developing market in Turkey. However, it is dominated by import trade products. Although there is an increasing number of Turkish producers, they face certain problems about global competition in the local market. In this study, focuses on the latecomer characteristics of medical devices industry in Turkey an its influence on design of Made in Turkey (MiT) medical devices. For this purpose, firstly the Turkish medical device industry was analyzed through sector reports. Then, an interview study was conducted with 12 medical device retailers to understand general perception on medical devices produced in Turkey regarding the market and design related issues. The results suggest that, although general image of MiT medical devices improves, at the time being the influence of latecomer characteristics on design can be sensed in this industry.