World Perspectives

Transparency’s Cost to Innovation

There is widespread support in Europe for the new revisions to the General Food Law, but research may prove the risk that the critics have warned about. Under the new law, the European Food Safety Authority must be much more transparent about the information it uses to determine the safety of chemicals. Critics of the change warned that competitors would simply copy the propriety information, undermining the competitiveness of European chemical firms. Indeed, research (see NBER Working Paper No. 25401) by academics at four different institutions found that mandatory disclosure of chemicals allowed competitors to catch up with industry leaders. However, the result was not just greater competition but a large reduction in research at the ori...

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From WPI Consulting

Weighing in on strategic realignment

WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.

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