·
Economic
trend: The price of Chinese solar panels is going to go up
o
I believe this opportunity exists because the US
President put a new tariff on solar panels, furthering trade tensions between
the US and China. In addition, the largest Chinese producers of solar panels
are recovering their profits, which will drive small producers out of business.
Large companies will then be able to monopolize the industry and control
prices.
o
The prototypical customer in this situation are
people, companies, and governments that buy solar power from China. Also, small
production companies that face bankruptcy or unions.
o
The opportunity is relatively difficult because
of the underlying political tension among the US and China that is affecting
heavily affecting this industry. The US President claims the tariff will be
beneficial to American workers and consumers, but many small Chinese companies
will suffer.
o
I think I saw this opportunity because I am very
in tune with environmental concerns and trends. One of my career goals is to improve
environmental systems in order to save our world from devastating consequences.
As part of Sustainable Business Group, I research sustainable methods of
business practices, including renewable energy sources.
·
Economic
Trend: Baby Boomers Aren't Retiring
o
I think this opportunity exists because there is
statistical data to support the claim. In 1983, 62% of companies offered
pension plans, compared to a mere 17% today. In addition, the 2008 financial crisis and the increase in income inequality
have strained older workers no longer earn enough to maintain their living
conditions. In addition, healthcare is the second-largest expense for retirees,
because Medicare does not cover long-time care.
o
The prototypical customer are older American
workers who can’t afford housing and healthcare expenses without a job.
o
The opportunity is difficult to exploit because
millions of Baby Boomers are affected by lack of pension plans and Medicare
coverage. Governments and companies would have to rearrange their budget in
order to afford programs and benefits. Also, there has been a lot of political
tension about welfare programs and about companies’ responsibilities to their
employees after retirement, that greatly hinders progress.
o
I saw this opportunity because I am very
interested in economic trends and I have an older co-worker who was deeply
affected by the trend in lack of effort from companies to look after their
employees after retirement. After more than 10 years at Whole Foods, she was a
few hundred hours away from having all of her medical expenses covered after
she retired, but Amazon’s purchase of the company eliminated that option for
team members, and they just gave her a one dollar raise as compensation. She
was devastated and is forced to keep working to cover all her bills, despite
being in constant pain from having to stand for hours at a time.
·
Regulatory
Change: Quicker and Safer Disposal of Airbag Waste
o
This opportunity exists because Takata airbag
inflators in causing an urgent public health issue, and the EPA must act to prevent
further harm. Long exposure to heat and humidity increases threats that the
defective airbags ruptures when deployed, leading to increasing injuries and
deaths. Dealerships, automotive salvage and scrap yards will have some
exemptions from the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous
waste requirements if they remove airbag waste.
o
The prototypical customers are “airbag waste
handlers” that will benefit from airbag waste being easier to dispose because
of lifted requirements.
o
This opportunity is relatively easy to exploit
because relaxed regulations means that it is cheaper and quicker for handlers
to remove airbag waste. Also, the EPA is pushing for quick removal because of
the health concerns with the airbag ruptures.
o
I saw this opportunity because I’ve had issues
with car parts that were recalled before. I’m aware that it’s important to
replace recalled parts because it is a major safety concern that can have
serious consequences.
·
Regulatory
Change: Development of an over -the-counter drug that reduces the risk of an
opioid overdose
o
This opportunity exists because deaths due opioid
overdoses have more than doubled in the last decade. Wider availability of an over-the-counter
drug that combats overdose effects such as loss of consciousness and shallow
breathing, will save lives. There are currently drugs that reduce opioid overdoses
that require prescription, but many don’t have easy access to the healthcare
services they need.
o
The prototypical customers are the pharmaceutical
companies willing to produce an over-the-counter product, and the potential
victims of an opioid overdose in which an OTC drug would save their lives.
o
This opportunity is slightly difficult to
exploit because the FDA has not provided a Drug Facts label, a costly and
time-consuming process for OTC medicine. However, the FDA has taken exceptional
proactive measures and developed tests to encourage drug companies to produce
the drug.
o
I saw this opportunity because I am extremely aware
of FDA reports that relate to health and safety. In addition, I’ve been a
victim of the healthcare system because of the lack of access to affordable medicine
in the United States.
