Innovation rate

There is ample support for the notion that innovation rates are greater when market forces are allowed to operate. However, a prerequisite for a competitive market to function is adequate consumer knowledge. In this market for pharmaceutical products, physicians function as agents for their patients (Sloan and Hsieh, Chapter 1). But even physicians may have dif-hculty in gauging the value of specific drugs in absolute terms and relative to their cost. The rapid pace of technological change in this sector has led... 

The attractiveness of specific product categories, as discussed in the previous section, by and large defines the attractiveness of target markets as well. Besides its absolute size, the pharmaceuticals market comes first, because of its inherent elevated added value, the relatively high innovation rate, which leads to a steady demand for new products and for a manageable number of customers. The attributes for the agro fine chemicals market are similar, albeit less pronounced, specialty chemicals, in contrast, are needed by almost all industries and, therefore, virtually cannot be approached proactively. Also, the innovation rate in terms of new chemical entities is generally rather low, except in the electronic industry. 

Second, product and process regulation must be divided into two entirely different types - minimum performance specifications and pre-market registration judgments. Failure to do so will significantly reduce the all-important communication of the results of studies already carried out that could help us improve our sagging innovation rate. 

Then, however, the market started to change. With the arrival of the new millennium, the specialty chemical business did not look so special anymore. Volume growth in many segments slowed as markets matured. Prices and margins came under more pressure due to increased commoditization and lower innovation rates. While prices declined, costs went up (Fig. 8.3). In Germany, for example, factor costs for chemical production increased by 2.9 percent p.a. over the last 15 years, while at the same time product prices declined by 0.4percent p.a. Though these numbers include commodities, the trend holds true for specialty products as well. 

Innovation. Developing a procurement capability that is intimately linked to the innovation priorities of the company can significantly boost innovation rates. Many segments of the chemical industry are experiencing increased pressure to lift their innovation rate. The focus here is not only on creating completely new products, but frequently involves innovations in product characteristics and applications development (e.g., ceramics, performance plastics) or process optimization (e.g., commodity chemicals). 

Markets are not static—they emerge, grow, mature, and decline. As a market moves from one life cycle stage to emother, changes occur in its strategic considerations, from innovation rates to customer price-sensitivity to intensity of competitive rivalry and beyond. The market fife cycle provides a useftrl framework for studying markets and their impact on the enterprise s valrre proposition. 

Nonchemical or traditional practices, such as weed seed removal, optimal crop seeding rates, crop selection, enhanced crop competitiveness, crop rotation, and mechanical weed control are all important components of an effective weed management program (458,459). In the context of modern intensive chemical herbicide appHcation, nonchemical practices may even represent an innovative approach to weed management and should receive careful consideration. 

In 1993, the United States medical device industry employed 282,000 people, averaging a growth rate of about 4% since 1975. Research and development spending in this industry outpaced that in virtually every other industry. Over 7% of sales were spent on research and development in 1993, amounting to a Httle less than 3 bHHon. This rate reflects both the rapid rate of innovation and short product life-cycle. Medical devices become obsolete far more rapidly than pharmaceuticals (qv), forcing companies continuously to be innovative. 

Heat recover) from exhaust air—If a heat recoveiy system allows an increase in the rate of outside air supply, lAQ will usually be improved. Proper precautions must be taken to ensure that moisture and contaminants from the exhaust air stream are not transferred to the incoming air stream. An innovative way of recovering heat and reducing the dehumidification cost is to use the waste heat to recharge the desiccant wheels that are then used to remove moisture from the supply air. In this method, the energy savings have to be substantial to offset the high cost of the desiccant wheels. 

Methods of detection, metabolism, and pathophysiology of the brevetoxins, PbTx-2 and PbTx-3, are summarized. Infrared spectroscopy and innovative chromatographic techniques were examined as methods for detection and structural analysis. Toxicokinetic and metabolic studies for in vivo and in vitro systems demonstrated hepatic metabolism and biliary excretion. An in vivo model of brevetoxin intoxication was developed in conscious tethered rats. Intravenous administration of toxin resulted in a precipitous decrease in body temperature and respiratory rate, as well as signs suggesting central nervous system involvement. A polyclonal antiserum against the brevetoxin polyether backbone was prepared a radioimmunoassay was developed with a sub-nanogram detection limit. This antiserum, when administered prophylactically, protected rats against the toxic effects of brevetoxin. 

---