- Client Request: Complete competitors' R&D organizational chart with all global locations and include names, supervisors, degree, university, and focus. Determine number of personnel in each R&D locations. Identify the new molecule discovery process, number of new synthetic molecules annually, and number of commercialized new molecules annually.
- Background: Naturally occurring molecules used for fragrances and flavoring can be very expensive (i.e. natural vanilla). Chemical companies went to duplicate nature at production levels and at a fraction of the cost. R&D Departments of fragrance and flavoring companies develop new, synthetic scents and flavors (molecules) which can be used in new perfumes and foods while generating large profits for a company. Knowledge of competitors' R&D departments is a very useful tool, especially since thousands of new molecules are developed annually but less than five molecules are typically commercialized.
- Results: Client now has global organizational charts of major competitors which includes names, number of people by department, university attended, education level, and research focus. Types and number of scientists in competitors' organic synthesis departments along with knowledge of the analytical chemistry department proved helpful. Analytical strengths included gas chromatography, HPLC, mass spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR, sensory evaluation, and human micro flora.
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