Chemical industry competitive trends

A persistent management trend today is the one toward being leaner and meaner than the competition. A measurable excess in human resources is a luxury that is rarely found in todays chemical industry in developed countries. Management must constantly be attuned to the problems of dilution of knowledge by movement of their human assets. 

A bimonthly publication 27) of the Institut Nationale de la Statistique et des Etudes Economiques is principally devoted to studies and analyses of various aspects of the French economy it is of assistance in providing general economic data which have a bearing on production and competitive trends in the French market. UIndustrie Chimique 28) has a small commercial section with news on chemical manufacturing and other developments in France and in other countries. Chimie Industrie 26) has a commercial section with special articles on the French chemical industry and trade, news items, and some statistics. 

The dominant trends would seem to indicate movement toward a more simplified chemical industry in the 70s but, in reality, the industry will become more complex. The new-type global competition, the growing commodity segments, the new market and product opportunities, and the rapid diversification of the industry are some of the key challenges to be met by marketing in the 70s. (See opposite.)... 

Some recent trends in industrial basic research are considered. They are driven by a highly competitive global marketplace. The discussion focusses on two recent major scientific advances which have been pursued in industry high-temperature superconductivity and C6 with its chemical family. Fullerenes appear to be appropriate candidates for basic research in industry. 

Three interrelated trends of globalization among chemical producers and customers, increasing QHSE (quality, health, safety, and environment) standards, and outsourcing by the producers and customers are currently shaping the chemical distribution industry, offering distributors considerable opportunities for competitive differentiation. 

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