Nah. Sensors. Sensor tech. It's hugely different from mainstream electronics or putting things together from standardized components. Sony took that lead, with Samsung and a few other close behind. Each time Nikon sells a camera, Sony gets a cut. Same thing for most other camera companies, except Canon.

Everything has sensors now, from manufacturing processes, to cell phones, to your optical mouse.

Imaging is much bigger than film.

Kodak R&D had a lead there too, but blew it bringing it to market.