Pretty impressive to beat some of the world's top technology companies. Microsoft was at #5 and Sony was at #9. Apple of course was #1.
The good news: There can be an upside to the downturn. Low-cost methods for creating new products are easier than ever as emerging markets provide both cheap labor and booming pockets for growth. That's something No. 4 General Electric (GE) is finding with its first portable electrocardiograph made in India for that market. Many companies, including No. 7 Nintendo (NTDOY), are embracing collaboration with outsiders in ways that lower costs for both them and their partners. And yes, it may even be possible to wring more efficiency out of your R&D labs, as No. 15 Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) is attempting to do, without stifling the creativity of your most valued people.
