This document discusses the concept of core competencies as introduced by Prahalad and Hamel. It provides examples of how companies like Canon and NEC developed core competencies in areas like technology and production skills that provided long-term competitive advantages. The document also discusses how core competencies can be identified based on their potential for wide market access, contribution to products, and difficulty to imitate. It notes companies must cultivate, not just spend on, core competencies and avoid losing them through outsourcing or failing to pursue new opportunities.