Business & Economics
The Role of Business in the Green Chemistry Revolution
Meeting new society's need for safer, more environmentally benign chemicals is a huge opportunity for businesses throughout the California, national, and global economies. A broad range of conventional chemicals and products must be redesigned and replaced by ones that pose fewer risks to public health and ecosystems. The innovative companies that spearhead this process will be positioning themselves to increase shareholder value by differentiating their brands from their competitor's, expanding market share, moving into new markets, and strengthening their over-all brand images and corporate reputations.
Research and Analysis
Faculty and students bring the insights of economics, marketing, finance, accounting, organizational behavior, psychology, political science, history, and anthropology to bear in the investigation and analysis of firm activity, innovation and market change in the green chemistry space and the changing contours of the market for green chemicals. We also investigate, analyze, and critically evaluate changes in and problems with public policy and corporate culture that encourage- and/or hold back - strategic, organizational, and technical innovation within business firms needed to put the modern industrial system toward a more environmentally sustainable footing.
Driving Green Chemistry to the Core of Business Strategy
Our goal is to help corporate managers recognize and leverage the economic opportunities inherent in developments taking place in green chemistry and environmental health sciences, regulatory policy, and consumer awareness. Faculty and students conduct research and engage with industry with the aim of identifying market opportunities for and igniting venture capital and corporate investment in green chemistry research, product development and manufacturing. We also seek to help businesses redesign their internal organizational structures and supplier relations, re-imagine their relationships with their customers and the broader public, and undertake the many other changes they need to maximize the competitive gains they can derive from developing green chemicals and products.