TOKYO—JSR Corp. is eyeing a "digital transformation" as part of a strategy to become a "truly global organization," according to Eric Johnson, the company's CEO and representative director.
In his new year message, released Jan. 6, Johnson said the company would digitize its research and development labs through the use of advanced simulations as well as "leading edge" artificial intelligence capabilities.
"We have many internal resources working on material informatics, including trying to understand how and when quantum computing will be applied," said Johnson, who took over as the CEO in June last year.
The company also is working to develop the use of data analytics in all its operations.
In 2020, JSR expects to set up a "digital office" which will be focused specifically on accelerating the development and use of digital tools.
Another of JSR's key strategies 2020 will be to increase its globalization efforts, using "different approaches in different regions."
According to Johnson, JSR will work to establish a new structure to enable better understanding and engagement in global geopolitical activities, particularly in the U.S. and China.
JSR also will expand its focus on "moving from CSR to sustainability," Johnson said. As part of this, the company will add "resources and structure" to its CSR team to enable the "proper integration" of the United Nations-based Sustainable Development Goals into its operations.
Each business unit will need to take these goals into account as part of their strategic plan, Johnson said.
Johnson took over the CEO position in June, becoming the first non-Japanese national to lead the materials company.
Johnson joined JSR Micro Inc (USA) in September 2001 and has served as an officer within the Japanese company since 2011. He took over as the director and president of JSR North America Holding earlier in 2019, before being appointed as group CEO.
JSR manufactures elastomer and resin products, including styrene butadiene rubber and butadiene rubber, as well as emulsion products, such as thermoplastic elastomer and SBR latex.