With the rapid pace of events on the web and the information revolution sparked by the Internet, it’s very easy for the technology industry to think it’s unique: constantly breaking new ground and doing things that nobody has ever done before.
But there are other sorts of business that have already undergone some of the same radical shifts, and have just as great a stake in the future.
Take healthcare, for instance.
We often think of it as a huge, lumbering beast, but in truth, medicine has undergone a series of revolutions in the past 200 years that are at least equal to those we see in technology and information.
The first stirrings of modern chemistry and biology were only just beginning in the 19th century, but by 1967, Christiaan Barnard started transplanting hearts. Similarly, it was only in the 1950s Watson and Crick discovered DNA. Less than 50 years later, the first draft of the human genome was produced. If that’s not rapid, world-shattering change, then what is?
Pharma has also faced other challenges the web industry is only now starting to realize. Products are slow to make, and drugs can take years to design, test and manufacture. Accordingly, R&D spending in pharmaceuticals is very high overall; according to the European Union (PDF), five of the world’s top 10 companies by R&D spend are in drugs or biotechnology (among traditional technology companies, only Microsoft, Nokia and Samsung feature in the list). And it’s a far greater proportion of total turnover (Pfizer spends around one seventh of revenues on research, Apple spends around one dollar on R&D for every 13 it brings in).
And where the planet’s electronics giants spend billions attempting to end piracy and patent infringement, pharmaceutical companies are rapidly adjusting to the fact that they only get 12 years before patent protection ends and other companies can introduce generic drugs. Imagine a situation where Windows 98 was already old enough to be forcibly open-sourced, and you get the idea of how disruptive that might be.
So, what does the pharmaceutical industry have to teach us?
First, be careful. Your property and ideas won’t be yours for long.
Second, while new discoveries are important, revolutions can be reliably predicted, most of the time. From the outside, Barnard’s transplants were a radical shift in surgery. From inside the profession, it was the next obvious step after previous organ transplants.
Third, the way money is being spent will inevitably change. It’s already happening: an issue addressed by the latest VC bulletin from Go4Venture, a London-based advisory group for European entrepreneurs and investors (you can sign up here). Their latest dispatch outlines the state of deal-making in Europe (more of them, but less valuable, as reflected in figures we wrote about last month), and they also point out Europe’s technology financing system is undergoing a significant shift:
[there is a] major structural change in European venture capital financing where corporates will play a more prominent role going forward. Corporates are facing a lasting ex-growth market environment (courtesy of debt-laden Western economies) and realise that internal R&D is rather expensive and just cannot cover the whole front of innovation.
For corporates, investing in start-ups has the added advantage of encouraging a more entrepreneurial culture inside and creating a stream of acquisition opportunities.
Pharma has been there before, in an early move precipitated by proprietary drugs coming off patent, and we are now seeing the pharma model spreading to other IP-driven sectors.
Spending more of the R&D budget on other companies doesn’t just mean acquisition, of course — although the startup world is very familiar with the process and it’s clearly the most common option. Just yesterday, Google spent $60 million making the slightly odd move to buy British price comparison website BeatThatQuote. It could also mean more early investment in small companies, like the $100,000 Microsoft is putting into Moscow-based anti-piracy startup Pirate Pay.
But what it does mean is, ultimately, the growth in the number of deals we’re seeing is going to get faster, and there will be more opportunities for innovative startups and smart entrepreneurs. Twinned with the aggressive, high valuation investing strategy of a company like Russia’s Digital Sky Technologies, it seems more likely than not we’ll see things explode, in Europe and elsewhere, over the next year or two.
Related content from GigaOM Pro (subscription req’d):
- A 2011 NewNet Forecast
- A 2011 Mobile Forecast
- A 2011 Connected Consumer Forecast
Surface Encounters proudly ensures consumer satisfaction and selling price installing granite assurance. “I’m consistently skeptical heading with new providers, but your staff has made me a believer!” - Steve, Indianapolis
Surface Encounters may be a fast-growing surface encounters agency and, however they've stored pace with every one of the modern client referrals. “This service is among the most inexpensive, reliable and pleasant suppliers inside complete state. I would recommend them to virtually anyone.” - Mike R., South Bend
A large amount of work goes into creating stunning countertops from nature. The process involves laser measurement creative vein matching, precision diamond and water-jet cutting, edging and specialized set up. 1 are not able to just contact in their purchase for any custom countertop and also have it inside each day or two. Quality requires time.
Surface Encounters encourages people to go to a showroom to realize much more about healthy stone countertops. In addition to the choice and fabrication method, an additional critical piece of client care is ensuring one particular understands tips on how to care for his or her granite countertop to keep it seeking new for a long time to come.
Granite is really a attractive healthy stone item which can be a trendy substance employed for countertops and floor tiles in kitchens and bathrooms. Granite has surpassed marble in popularity for the reason that is it much more sturdy and more convenient to care for. Granite is unmatched by artificial products and solutions for its strength and durability, tolerance to temperature alterations and resistance to stains and scratches.
Granite is known as a naturally shaped stone which is quarried from deep while in the earth, harvested, lower, polished, sealed and installed in homes to add beauty, elegance and fashion. Simply because it is just a natural product or service, no two slabs are particularly alike. Granite is offered in a great number of hues from your many different minerals which are identified while in the rock. Given that it arrives from all over the world, distinct regions and environmental reasons ensure it is one of a kind.
Granite is mostly designed up of quartz crystal, but it also has many different quantities of other metals which include feldspar, mica, copper and iron. Some granite could contain bits of gold or silver. The quantity of each and every metal is dependent about the region it arrives from. All granite is shaped right into a tough stone by heat and pressure. Rain adds other minerals because it is forming. It can be attainable throughout the entire world, in each region, and every region will create a surface encounters one of a kind number of granite.
Surface Encounters state-of-the-art machinery ensures the greatest good quality finished item because they design and style and establish a number of the greatest kitchens and bathrooms. Granite Countertops boost the warmth and elegance of real estate even when rising their worth and improving lifestyles.
Surface Encounters is additionally concerned with employee morale; content staff are far more probable to lead on the victory of the business. Moreover to getting a victorious organization and an individual that's good to function for, Surface Encounters does their portion to protect our planet.
Surface Encounters does precisely what is ideal for his or her shoppers, employees along with the surroundings. Surface Encounters uses sophisticated drinking water recycling capabilities to recycle as much as 43,000 gallons of h2o on a daily basis. Moreover, one hundred percent for the scrap generated in producing classy kitchens and breathtaking baths is re-used as aggregate in road building up, surface preparations and concrete.
The Columbus, Ohio Grand Opening of Surface Encounters elements an artwork gallery showroom of Granite, Marble, Quartz and Engineered Stone counter tops. Store Manager, Scott Donnelly unlocked the doorways with the showroom at 4717 Roberts Road, just west in the I-270 Beltway. The Surface Encounters manufacturing operation makes use of precision, automated technological innovation throughout the fabrication with the customer's personalized counter high, such as: a laser measuring alignment that programs the diamond-tipped sculpturing blades. Surface Encounters' approach involves computer-driven software that perpetuates the stone's all-natural veins. All Surface Encounter store has a minimum of one particular registered, interior designer to help you in developing the completed challenge that you're searching for. The craftsmanship continues through the
Homeowners are choosing to remodel instead than offer their real estate in today’s marketplace
Granite countertops have become a best preference amid Wixom shoppers for kitchen remodeling tasks. Kitchen remodeling is usually the primary undertaking tackled with households spending 3,000 hours or even more per year in their kitchen. Granite countertops give an natural environment that enhances the top quality time spent with household and colleagues. Granite countertops previous a lifetime and boost the high-quality of real estate.
Surface Encounters Wixom store supervisor, Sal Dellacasa, says there are lots of causes consumers are looking for granite for his or her countertop requirements. “Granite countertops add splendor and elegance to a kitchen. Granite is offered inside a variety of vibrant hues and rich textures and its strength and sturdiness is unmatched by any other healthy stone or artificial countertop content.”
Surface Encounters’ potential customers like professional services in addition to a friendly, helpful staff to guideline them with the kitchen remodeling technique. Quite a few of Surface Encounters new users are referred to them by prior clients.
"This enterprise is just about the most inexpensive, reputable, and pleasant companies during the overall state. I'd advocate them to just about anyone." Mike R. Clinton Twp., MI
"The corporation has normally been there to assist me in no matter what way potential. Thank you so much!" David V. Lapeer, MI
Surface Encounters Macomb could be the family home of half-off granite for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Granite countertops by Surface Encounters have rapidly turn into the best alternative for Macomb residents that are remodeling their kitchens. Kitchen remodeling will take priority with families spending 3,000 hours or more annually within their kitchen. Granite countertops provide an environment that enhances the excellent time put in with loved ones and associates and advance the top notch of real estate.
Surface Encounters Macomb retail outlet supervisor, Sal Dellacasa, says there are lots of factors buyers are deciding upon granite for their countertop desires. “Granite countertops add magnificence and elegance to a kitchen. Granite is obtainable within a number of vibrant hues and abundant textures and its strength and sturdiness is unmatched by every other surface encounters purely natural stone or artificial countertop material.”
Surface Encounters’ people relish skilled service in addition to a friendly, very helpful employees to information them through the kitchen remodeling practice. Several of Surface Encounters new shoppers are referred to them by former shoppers.
No comments:
Post a Comment