Market evaluation

Some concrete conclusions on market evaluation for micro reactors are given by the PAMIR study, described above (see Section 1.8.1.2). In this context, it is worth reviewing general essays on the market evaluation of microsystems technology, since in a broader view they follow the same analysis and come to the same conclusions. 

Staudt and Krause commented in 1998, based on the results of a study by the Institut fiir Angewandte Innovationsforschung, Bochum (Institute for Applied Innovation Research), that many micro-systems technical companies stiU have prob- 

At the turn of the century, this situation partly changed. By economic selection, only those developments that were market-oriented survived. In addition, most commentators in the field such as the trade press realized that they had to change their attitude on reporting a proper outlook, i.e. what can be realistically expected in the coming years hence, euphoria changed to (sober) realism [242]. 

The development of start-up companies in the field of micro-systems technology, including microfluidics, has been reviewed by Wicht et al. [244]. Different types of business models are presented as well as the corresponding growth models. The development of start-ups in Germany in the last 10 years is presented and the product offer is discussed. This is compared with the situation in other European countries. Finally, information on problems and opportimities for the start-ups is provided. 

Within the NEXUS activity, aimed at strengthening the interaction of European industry and institutes in microsystems technology, user-supplier clubs (USC) are formed as one means for joint developments (for the USC for CAD tools see [240] for the MikroWebFab see [245]). This should serve to promote the industrial uptake, by bridging the gap also to new potential users. 

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Scale-Up Principles. Key factors affecting scale-up of reactor performance are nature of reaction zones, specific reaction rates, and mass- and heat-transport rates to and from reaction sites. Where considerable uncertainties exist or large quantities of products are needed for market evaluations, intermediate-sized demonstration units between pilot and industrial plants are usehil. Matching overall fluid flow characteristics within the reactor might determine the operative criteria. Ideally, the smaller reactor acts as a volume segment of the larger one. Elow distributions are not markedly influenced by... 

Calculations of economic profitability can only be predictive in the phase of process development, before a plant is on stream for a long time. Therefore, individual components of costs and market evaluations will bear some uncertainty. This uncertainty is relatively high for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The impact of these uncertainties on the profitability of a process may be quantified by a sensitivity analysis. This analysis provides information about the sensitivity of the process economics to changes in parameters relevant for the profitability (investment costs, price and consumption of raw materials, utility unit costs, product value and demand, etc.), and therefore on the reliability of the result of the economic evaluation. In the early stages of process development, a high sensitivity indicates the areas requiring attention for continued R D work. 

The new fee structure, which sees premarket evaluation fees gradually reducing and post-market annual product registration charges increasing, is being phased in over 5 years. At the end of the transition period, revenue from pre-market evaluations will be 60% rather than 80% under the previous arrangements. The revised structure will make TGA s revenue less vulnerable to fluctuations in number of major applications. 

In our example of a solid dosage pilot facility, we have decided that our plant will be used for a variety of batches. We will develop novel formulations and prepare samples for marketing evaluation, we will support manufacturing, and we will occasionally manufacture a full-scale production batch as required by tlie market demands. 

A basic rule of economic geology states that an ore deposit should always be exploited so that its highest potential value is harvested. This rule is applicable for groundwater—the many different qualities and modes of emergence call for careful marketing evaluation and rational planning of the exploitation of this basic commodity. 

Critical data from relatively small samples, of the order of 3 to 5 gallons of feed slurry, can be obtained with both types of centrifuges. The results obtained in terms of capacity vs. effluent clarity vs. terminal dryness and purity of the recovered solids can be accurately scaled up to the performance of full-sized, commercial centrifuges by means described elsewhere (1). At the same time, both have adequate capacity, for processing sufficient product Bor market evaluation studies. 

After-marketing evaluation of clinical use, particularly short-term and long-term effects... 

These earliest licensees included Union Carbide (US), Allied (US), Pullman (US), British Petroleum (UK), Soltex-Celanese (US), Rhone Poulenc (France), Solvay (Italy), Eletroteno (Brazil), BASF (Germany), and Showa Denko (Japan). Each was given technical knowledge, plant design, and polymer samples from a developmental plant in Oklahoma for market evaluation. 

Research studies will cross-evaluate the home product design against the best of the competition and disregard characteristics which do not exhibit significant advantages. The definitive pharmaceutical product must be subjected to governmental approval using data obtained from laboratory and market evaluations, i.e. ... 

There are many options and elegant methods for the dyeability modification of polypropylene fiber. The key to success is the cost, fiber properties, and color durability. With further research and market evaluation, it is quite hopeful that the dyeing problem of polypropylene fiber will be successfully resolved in the near future. 

The next level of sophistication is called a study estimate and requires a preliminary process flow sheet (to be discussed in the next sub-section) and a first attempt at identification of utilities, materials of construction, and other ancillary equipment. Estimation accuracy improves to within + 30% probable error, but more time is required and the cost of the evaluation can escalate to over 30,000 for a 5 million plant. Evaluation at this level usually precedes expenditures for site selection, market evaluation, pilot plant work, and detailed equipment design. If a positive evaluation results, pilot plant and other activities may also begin. 

The market needs to be clearly defined and as broad as possible. The price must be right for the market, the economics of that particular book must be viable, and these commercial considerations are often what define the form the book takes. When publishers are considering a proposal, it is usual to identify the market, look at the appropriateness of the content for that market, evaluate the economics, and then work with the author to tailor the content and the presentation as much as possible to fit these requirements. Financial considerations are not the only ones, however. While the realities of business underpin what commercial publishers do, most people in publishing are motivated by the desire to publish worthwhile books by reputable authors, and see them enjoy a positive response from reviewers and readers, and flourish in their intended market. 

Requires pre-market evaluation of all new chemical products other than food additives, drugs, pesticides, alcohol, and tobacco regulates existing hazards not covered by other federal laws dealing with toxic substances... 

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