The Feedstocks Prism

The feedstocks prism: Unveiling value in volatile and complex petrochemicals focuses on the road ahead for upstream feedstocks and energy, and examines ways in which the familiar historical platform for the (still thriving) world of chemistry, materials science, and industrial biology could change. It will demonstrate how companies can determine whether time-honored critical success factors will be sufficient for the decade ahead by exploring the nature of feedstock production, its evolution and connection to energy, its relation to a changing global-demand picture, and a fuller scope of plausible technological disruptions (physical and virtual).

The feedstocks prism also discusses whether a constantly shifting landscape of choices in energy (“fuel mix”) combined with breakthroughs in renewable sources presents any lifelines for companies in an otherwise disadvantaged position. That is, what opportunities are available along the feedstock curve and under what conditions can these opportunities offer sustainable value propositions?

In today’s environment, it is a distinct advantage to understand how the convergence of global megatrends, emerging technologies, and shifting regional landscapes can change the competitive environment for chemicals and how these forces could continue to shape the overall industry. For example, by understanding the implications of ongoing changes to competitors’ portfolios and manufacturing assets, a company can position itself and better determine how to win. Especially against more conventional competitors.

This much is true: Conventional thinking will produce conventional strategies. Fortunately, there are alternatives, namely the use of advanced analytics. Through these tools, companies can gain a more precise understanding of the potential of emerging trends, including their broader complexities and interdependencies. Those willing to think—and implement—beyond the conventional may use this understanding to sustain a healthy core business and to blaze new trails in new competitive spaces.