A Fortune 500 food and drink company had consulted with its own network on a taste development problem but was unable to locate the right capability. The IXC network found a partner with the correct expertise and product development is continuing.
Partners in Food Chemistry Research
Abstract:
A high ranking Fortune 500 food and drink company had consulted with its own network on a taste development problem but was unable to locate the right capability. Through the IXC client network a partner with the correct expertise was found and product development is continuing.
Focus; Intention analysis and management
Working with the client, a leading global consumer products company, IXC identified a strategic intention to find capability in an aspect of food chemistry research. The client had been unable to satisfy this intention through its own network of long standing academic partners in the area.
Find; Scanning and technology intelligence
To identify potential partners IXC drew creatively upon both its internal client network and its extended academic and industrial network.
Filter; Scoping and filtering, knowledge processing , market analysis, technology assessment
IXC Intermediaries validated all the novel opportunities and identified a potential partner with technology competence and complementary business objectives. A centre of excellence was in the process of being established by a client University with leading experts in food chemistry being recruited for the business facing unit.
Facilitate; Matchmaking and brokering
Utilising IXC’s staged disclosure and connection process the client met with the academic technology provider and recognised the potential of the novel research service. From the outset it was clear to the client that the academic partner had an expert understanding of the chemistry and processes at work. IXC’s internal validation ensured the provider was in a position to answer the business case put forward by the client and a £27 000 initial trial has been commissioned from the technology provider. The client gained a competitive advantage from being associated with the research unit before its public launch. Product development has progressed and the client expects to see revenues based on future products. IXC was in a unique position, with a view of both the industry need and emerging research capability, to initiate this successful partnership.
Summary
• A Fortune 500 client was unable to locate the necessary food chemistry expertise in its own network.
• IXC located a centre of excellence being established at an academic client.
• The industry client is enjoying a competitive advantage progressing product development with the research unit.