3c

3C is an acronym used to denote more than one concept in business and technology. The most common usage in East Asia refers to the consumer electronics sector: Computer, Communications, and Consumer Electronics. In this context 3C describes a market category and supply chain encompassing computers and peripherals, mobile devices, networking gear, televisions, audio equipment, and related software and services. The 3C label is widely used by manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to segment products and target consumer groups, and it often appears in market research, trade statistics, and policy discussions affecting electronics manufacturing and e-commerce.

The 3C framework in strategic management, introduced by Kenichi Ohmae, stands for Company, Customers, and Competitors. It is used to analyze a business or market by assessing internal capabilities, the needs and behavior of target customers, and the actions of rival firms. The framework emphasizes aligning the company's resources with customer demand and competitive dynamics. Variants may reorder the elements or broaden them to include partners or collaborators, but the core idea remains the same: competitive advantage arises from fit among these three components.

Because 3C has multiple meanings, its interpretation depends on context. In electronics and retail discussions, it almost always refers to Computer, Communications, and Consumer Electronics; in management literature, it most often denotes the Company–Customers–Competitors framework. When encountered, clarifying the intended sense is advisable.