Gerard Philips has constantly experimented to improve the life of light bulbs, while optimising manufacturing processes. His younger brother Anton Philips later joined the company, adding the commercial expertise that formed the basis of its international expansion. The company continued to be driven by technology, but often pursued high quality rather than low cost.

In later years, the company was often slow to bring innovative technologies to market. Philips is a Dutch multinational manufacturer company of lighting and consumer electronics products.

In 2009, Philips spent 1.6 billion euros to research and development. In 2010, the company generated a revenue of 25.42 billion euros and employed 114,500 people across more than 60 countries. Among the company's most well-known innovations are the Compact Cassette tape system, the CD, and X-ray technology.