Market Research
Part A
Examine a nanotechnology product by researching relevant trade shows, trade publications, and trade associations. Create an annotated bibliography of resources that includes a minimum of four (4) trade shows, four (4) trade publications, and two (2) trade associations that provides useful information about the nanotech product. Be sure to include details about each event/activity/organization/publication (online and in print), etc. Organize the annotated bibliography into the three (3) distinct sections (shows, publications, and associations) and for each section, include a statement explaining why this research is important when learning about the nanotechnology industry and competing companies and products.
Part B
State the conclusions you have drawn after performing this market research activity and acquiring new nanotechnology industry, company, and product knowledge. Specifically address the following issues:
1. What else can you learn from the trade show Web sites besides information about the trade show itself?
2. What else can you learn from trade publications?
3. What benefits can you obtain from trade associations?
4. From a revenue perspective, why is researching the 3T’s important?
Nanotechnology in the Solar Energy Industry
ANSWER
Introduction
Nanotechnology is the field of science, technology and engineering that is done at the nanoscale (1 -100 nanometers) (What is Nanotechnology, 2020). Intending to reduce climate change, improve the economy and environment and reduce reliance on imported oil, the Nanotechnology Signature Initiative developed alternative sources of energy, such as solar energy, which is renewable. The solar panel is an example of nanotechnology products (NSI: Nano, 2020).
Trade shows
North America Smart Energy Week is an event held in North America for the industry of renewable energy, such as solar energy. The next event has been scheduled for October 21st-22nd, 2020 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre. It is usually attended by numerous industry professionals and exhibitors (About | NASEW, 2020). The International Conference and Exhibition on Materials Science, Nanotechnology and Engineering exhibit services and products from organizations that focus on innovation that prioritize the ecological viability of solar energy. It is scheduled for 21st-22nd September 2020 in Milan, Italy (Material Science Conferences, 2020).
The Energy Expo presents products, technologies, knowledge, and equipment for solar, energy storage, lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electric vehicles, and smart buildings. It brings together countries in the Caribbean, Latin America as well as the United States. It has been scheduled for 2nd-4th March 2021 at Miami, Florida (The Energy Expo, 2020). NanoMatEn (NanoMaterials for Energy and Environment International Conference & Exhibition) brings together industrials and researchers to show how the efforts made through nanotechnology and nanoscience are contributing towards addressing the environmental and energy challenges faced by humans. The 6th edition of the event is scheduled for 28th-30th October 2020 in Paris, France (The 6th edition of the NMEE, 2020).
Publications
Nanotechnology and nanoscience have so far significantly contributed to the increase in efficiency and decrease in the cost of using solar power. Devices powered by solar energy and made from nanomaterials have the potential to transform economic development globally (Abdel-Mottaleb & Byrne, 2011). Some of the solar-powered devices that exist in the niche markets are consumer electronics, mobile devices and stationary such as power generators (Seitz et al, 2013).
It has been difficult thus far for solar cells to compete with fossil fuels economically. Current research is now concentrating on how nanotechnology may contribute to reducing the cost of solar energy (Ghernaout et al, 2018). Solar energy is the most suitable source of renewable energy because it can be used in a broad range of areas such as the treatment of wastewater, solar photovoltaic and water heating (Huo et al, 2018).
Trade associations
The Solar Energy Industries Association is an association that works towards the achievement of clean energy and 20% of electricity generation in the US by 2030. It aims at creating awareness about solar power through education, advocacy, and research (About SEIA, 2020). The American Council on Renewable Energy brings together technology, policy, and finance to speed up the movement to renewable energy (ACORE, 2020). It represents leading developers, investors, manufacturers and utilities.
More information
There are several ways of applying nanotechnology to produce relevant sources of renewable energy, such as smart energy, geothermal, wind, electric vehicle infrastructure, hydrogen and fuel cells (About | NASEW, 2020). Attending such exhibitions and conferences is important for one to develop networks with learners and professionals as well as form collaborations and partnerships (Material Science Conferences, 2020).
Trade shows provide immediate exposure for sponsors and exhibitors, providing room for growth. They offer a range of packages, audio-visuals, exciting sessions and activities that are all-inclusive for the attendees (The Energy Expo, 2020). Such trade shows provide an opportunity for scientists and researchers to encourage and look into future efforts in ensuring sustainable development (The 6th edition of the NMEE, 2020).
Billions of dollars have been spent by governments worldwide in trying to find out why matter behaves differently at the nanometer scale as compared to the bulk scale and make use of these properties to improve the livelihood of humanity (Ghernaout et al, 2018). Nanomaterials are likely to make innovation and the science world a more exciting field to work in as they possess better stability in watery media, are easier to prepare and are economical (Abdel-Mottaleb & Byrne, 2011).
Titanium dioxide is one of the semiconductors that are used in solar energy to decompose pollutants. It is suitable as it is cheap, non-toxic, stable in the long-term, photocorrossion resistant and abundant (Huo et al, 2018). (Seitz et al, 2013) suggests that the world has been moving towards environmentally friendly energy sources and electric mobility, leading to much publication on lithium-ion battery technology, hydrogen storage and supercapacitors
It is beneficial to be a member of a trade association as the associations are passionate about supporting and growing the specific industry. They work together with their stakeholders and members to advocate for the vision of the association (About SEIA, 2020). Associations also connect suppliers of a product, such as solar energy, with the users of the product to ensure that the mission and vision of the members is accomplished (ACORE, 2020).
Conclusion
From a revenue point of view, it is important to research on trade shows as they give the most accurate information about the best shows to attend as an exhibitor to maximize organizational marketing, trade associations show the best associations to join to gain the maximum benefit of advocacy and connection to customers and trade publications give well-researched background information that will help one to maximize on cost savings and improve revenue (Situma, 2012).
Annotated bibliography
Trade shows
It is important to research on trade shows as they are an avenue for knowing who your competitors are and obtaining ideas that will help to improve on one’s business.
About | North America Smart Energy Week. North America Smart Energy Week. (2020). Retrieved 15 July 2020, from https://www.solarpowerinternational.com/about/.
North America Smart Energy Week is anchored by Solar Power International (SPI) and provides a platform for innovation, education and networking for leaders in the industry. It clearly proves that the application of nanotechnology in solar energy is innovative and sustainable in the long-run.
Material Science Conferences 2020 | Engineering Conferences | Nanoscience Conferences | Material Science Webinars 2020. Material-science.materialsconferences.com. (2020). Retrieved 15 July 2020, from https://material-science.materialsconferences.com/exhibition.php. The International Conference and Exhibition on Materials Science, Nanotechnology and Engineering exhibit services and products from organizations that focus on innovations of photoelectrochemical, photovoltaic and photothermal sun-oriented vitality transformation.
The 6th edition of the NanoMaterials for Energy and Environment 2020. SETCOR. (2020). Retrieved 15 July 2020, from https://www.setcor.org/conferences/NanoMatEn-2020. NanoMatEn (NanoMaterials for Energy and Environment International Conference & Exhibition) brings together industrials and researchers to show how the efforts made through nanotechnology and nanoscience are contributing towards addressing the environmental and energy challenges faced by humans. It seeks to search for sources of renewable energy, such as solar energy, and protect the environment.
The Energy Expo 2021. Theenergyexpo.com. (2020). Retrieved 15 July 2020, from https://www.theenergyexpo.com/.
The Energy Expo presents products, technologies, knowledge, and equipment for solar, energy storage, lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electric vehicles and smart buildings. The use of solar energy has become increasingly useful for many individuals and organizations, and this Expo brings together more than 40 countries in the Caribbean, Latin America and the United States.
Publications
Publications are necessary information tools that when researched on, give ideas about what developments to expect from competitors worldwide and help in identifying a market niche.
Abdel-Mottaleb, M. S. A., Byrne, J. A., & Chakarov, D. (2011). Nanotechnology and solar energy.
This journal is an overview of how nanotechnology is used in solar energy to create overall benefit for the economy, individuals and the environment. Mottaleb, Byrne and Chakaroy emphasize on the positive qualities possessed by nanomaterials that make them useful in energy production. It is a special issue that covers the present direction that research in nanotechnology is taking.
Ghernaout, D., Alghamdi, A., Touahmia, M., Aichouni, M., & Ait Messaoudene, N. (2018). Nanotechnology phenomena in the light of the solar energy. Journal of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, 3, 1-8.
In this journal, Ghernaout, Alghamdi, Touahmia, Aichouni and Ait Messaoudene focus on defining and identifying the application of nanotechnology, and sunlight as the tool that drives developing nanotechnology. They recognize the environmental benefits of using sunlight as a source of energy and emphasize that nanotechnology should concentrate on maximizing the use of sunlight for the long-term good of mankind.
Huo, P., Zhao, P., Wang, Y., Liu, B., & Dong, M. (2018). An Effective Utilization of Solar Energy: Enhanced Photodegradation Efficiency of TiO2/Graphene-Based Composite. Energies, 11(3), 630.
Huo, Zhao, Wang and Liu write this article to provide an overview of the progress of the mechanisms and procedures of graphene in various composites of titanium dioxide/Graphene. They analyse the properties that Graphene possesses that make it useful in photocatalytic and photodegradation activities.
Seitz, R., Moller, B. O., Thielman, A., Sauer, A., Meister, M., Pero, M., … & Kayser, V. (2013). Nanotechnology in the Sectors of Solar Energy and Energy Storage: Technology Report. International Electrotechnical Commission.
Seitz, Moller, Thielman,, Sauer, Meister, Pero and Kayser present this publication in a bid to provide a report on future advancement of markets and products in energy storage and solar energy to the extent that they are impacted by nanotechnologies.
Trade associations
Researching on associations shows which ones are the most supportive, most influential and well performing, giving one an upper hand over their industry rivals.
About SEIA | SEIA. SEIA. (2020). Retrieved 15 July 2020, from https://www.seia.org/about.
The Solar Energy Industries Association is an association that works towards the achievement of clean energy and 20% of electricity generation in the US by 2030. It aims at creating awareness about solar power through education, advocacy and research
American Council on Renewable Energy: ACORE. ACORE. (2020). Retrieved 15 July 2020, from https://acore.org/.
The American Council on Renewable Energy brings together technology, policy and finance to speed up the movement to renewable energy. It represents leading developers, investors, manufacturers and utilities.
Other References
NSI: Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Collection and Conversion– Contributing to Energy Solutions for the Future | Nano. Nano.gov. (2020). Retrieved 15 July 2020, from https://www.nano.gov/NSISolar.
Situma, S. (2012). The effectiveness of trade shows and exhibitions as organizational marketing tool (analysis of selected companies in Mombasa). International journal of business and social science, 3(22), 219-230.
What is Nanotechnology? | Nano. (2020). Retrieved 15 July 2020, from https://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition
