Competitive horizon

Citation

(2013), "Competitive horizon", Strategic Direction, Vol. 29 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/sd.2013.05629aaa.001

Competitive horizon

Article Type: Competitive horizon From: Strategic Direction, Volume 29, Issue 1

Malaysia set for growth in generic drugs sector

A report published by the Star Online (www.thestar.co.my) points out that the Health Ministry in Malaysia is expecting the country’s generic drugs industry to expand by between 8 and 10 percent over the next year. Increased health awareness among a population becoming increasingly dynamic is cited as a key growth driver. Generic drugs are regarded as adequate alternatives to more expensive patented drugs and the Ministry confidently anticipates growth in both volume and value. If the trend continues, growth will be greater in the generic drugs industry than for patented medicines. Expiration of patents creates opportunity for makers of generic drugs, which are also produced in substantial volumes by multinational organizations responsible for the manufacture of patented drugs. But the report also claims that the anticipated output rise in the generic drugs sector could also benefit domestic operators involved in various stages of the production supply chain.

Barriers halt career progression of UK women

Companies in the UK might be letting top females talent slip through the net, research carried out by Ernst & Young suggests. The accountancy firm surveyed 1,000 women and discovered that around two-thirds believe that they face various career obstacles throughout their working lives. These are in addition to the so-called “glass ceiling” that makes it difficult for them to enter the boardroom. Women believe that the obstacles do not emerge sequentially and can arise at different career points. The survey, as reported by Growth Business (www.growthbusiness.co.uk), revealed a belief that age is the largest hurdle. A total of 59 percent of those questioned either had already experienced a problem in this respect or expected to do so in the future. Becoming a mother was considered the second largest problem. Many faced difficult choices once in this situation. Respondents revealed examples of leading professionals who struggled to find relevant work. Others wanting to return on a part-time basis had to accept a less senior position. Lack of role models and qualifications and experience were the other key barriers mentioned. Ernst & Young points out that firms must address these concerns in order to fully exploit the female talent available to them.

SMEs in China turn to emerging markets for export boost

According to a survey jointly conducted by TNS and PayPal, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China are confident of increasing export sales in the short term. Despite 2012 heralding a slowdown of foreign trade among Chinese firms, 69 percent of the 1,017 SMEs surveyed expect sales to grow in the months ahead. Expansion into emerging markets and an increased online presence are among the main measures expected to produce growth. Other firms have moved to extend the range of products offered, a report published by China Daily (www.chinadaily.com). Activity in new markets has increased among Chinese SMEs, with companies increasingly targeting Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Asia-Pacific. Statistics indicate a huge rise in e-commerce exports to Argentina, Israel and the Ukraine during the year ending June 2012. Significant scope exists for further expansion as only a minority of export-focused SMEs are currently involved in e-commerce.

The milky way

The New Zealand Herald (www.nzherald.co.nz) reports that scientists in the country are carrying out cloning techniques on different animals. A striking development in this field has seen the emergence of genetically-modified cows able to produce milk which could help in the treatment of certain human illnesses. The process is referred to as biopharming and involves altering the milk of cows to produce medicines. Crown Research Institute Ag Research is pioneering the work and claims to already have several cows with the potential to produce milk containing human proteins. According to the report, research into the inclusion of medicinal antibodies in goat milk is now underway too. Despite the controversy that has surrounded GM technology, AgResearch believes developments like these should be embraced.