Sustainable development competitive advantage

Patents cannot prevent R D evaluation of the invention by competitors but the crucible in which the know-how critical for successful commercial use is developed (and in which the experience that springboards yet further enhancements is acquired) is so often commercial exploitation. Deny your competitors that in their markets and you sustain competitive advantage. 

Note "Other" category includes the commitment of large-scale, benchmark chemical companies to sustainable development, product portfolio growth innovation and distinct competitive advantage experienced. 

If we compare process blocks diagrams (Figure 14.3) and amount of effluent of the classical Lewis acid process and the zeolite process for acetoveratrole, we have almost the same figures as with acetoanisole - so the competitive advantage for economics and for sustainable development is obvious. This is also a breakthrough for such technology. 

Michael Porter, who developed the activity system concept described in Chapter 10, maintains that operating effectiveness, which he shortens to OE, will not lead to a sustainable competitive position. Porter believes many companies have lost sight of the need for strategies through their pursuit of operating improvement and cost reduction. He backs the view that operating efficiencies are easily transported across company boundaries. He asserts that activity systems, which are difficult to duplicate, are the root of competitive advantage. 

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