Proteus Digital Health’s “smart pill” may be our healthcare system’s solution to cut back on the staggering costs associated with medication nonadherence.
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Seems like a ton of upside for the retailer by leveraging this data! Makes complete sense, especially for the retailers who have already embraced more advanced data solutions in their supply chain management system (e.g., H&M).
One potential extension of this application could be to allow customers to add in their preferences to help them determine what type of clothes they may want to buy. Several start-ups such as trunk club aim to predict what a customer would want to buy from basic descriptions. Perhaps if a customer was willing to share their purchasing habits more openly, more retailers could reach them with targeted marketing. Who knows, maybe people would be more reluctant to delete “spam” emails if they were filled with products that they actually want!
A great example of a technology working to bridge some of the (numerous) gaps in the healthcare system!
As I read this I immediately thought of the US-based company, ZocDoc. Many of the product features are similar and perhaps there are some lessons to be learned between the two operating platforms. Other than the issue you cited re: patient data and privacy, there is also an ongoing challenge of having reliable reviews to inform patients’ decisions. As the product expands, it may need to look beyond simple patient reviews by incorporating other ratings systems (e.g., hospital-wide reviews). Once people lose credibility in the system, it’s easy to lose them to another platform, so it will be important to keep this in mind as other technologies enter the market.
Love to hear about these types of companies – thank you!
One other potential opportunity for mPharma would be for them to work directly with pharmaceutical companies to help gain access to free or discounted medications. Most of the largest organizations (e.g., Pfizer, Novartis, Teva) all have philanthropic organizations to help improve access to their medications. It seems that with mPharma’s platform, these companies could more easily distribute their products and fulfill their philanthropic missions.
This business model seems hugely transferable in many places around the globe. I’m excited to see how the next years go!
Thanks for the post – think this is a super interesting topic, especially following our IBM Watson discussion.
One significant hurdle to overcome will be patient privacy and other legal issues associated with storing and sharing data. As you mention, the healthcare system is incredibility fragmented and includes multiple stakeholders which has slowed the adoptions of EHR systems. International models may prove as helpful role models in countries that have national healthcare. While not directly applicable to the US, perhaps the solutions they are developing there may be somewhat transferable to overcome some of the difficulties you describe.
As a native San Diegan, I really appreciate you bringing light to this issue. While perhaps the industry leader or “poster child for sustainability,” PG&E is not yet a frequently praised household name in the area.
I think cost transparency for any measures taken is a huge opportunity for PG&E. From the public perspective, it can help them justify changes in prices. For example, if they can quantify the risk mitigated (and potential lives saved!) from some of the initiatives you mention, it would be a easier bitter pill for consumers to swallow on their monthly statements. Also, they cost analysis may help bolster government funding support.
Another angle to consider if their partnerships. They are already working with fire fighters in Alameda Country (among others) [1]. Not only are these partnerships publicly popular, they offer a ton of useful information shareing for both parties to prevent and control files in Califronia.
I think it’s very common for companies to market their sustainable initiatives. While I am often quite cynical if their efforts are making a difference, I was impressed to see what Lululemon is up to – specifically their vendor code of ethics and partnership with DEBRAND to control waste. It seems these policies attempt to address multiple areas of the supply chain rather than just what’s under their factory production system.
I was also very intrigued by what you mention with the boat shipping initiative. I see a potential link with how consumers interact with their products. For example, if someone were to purchase a product could they opt for a slow delivery that is less energy intensive at checkout? Perhaps they could save some money and also feel they are contributing to Lululemon’s mission to control emissions. While I would not propose this as a standard shipping option, it may be a win-win for those who chose to shop at Lulu because of its commitment to sustainability.
Indeed a harrowing thought. I think Cenosillicaphobia is a common condition that is rarely discussed so I thank you for picking such a relevant topic!
ABInBev has done a lot in response to climate change and improving its operations. In addition to increasing its green energy, as you mention, I think there is an opportunity to diversify its product lines through innovation and acquisition. In addition to improving the operating model for its current offerings, perhaps there are new recipes that are far more sustainable and equally (or ideally more!) delicious. Altering production stocks for seasonal availability of resources may also help them become more efficient in new product areas. On the acquisition side, there’s been a boom in microbreweries which may offer innovative models to help ABInBev improve its operations in the face of challenges you mention above.
Super interesting, Samar! A great example of an idea that was created out of an opportunity from climate change.
You briefly touched on it, but I think it will be crucial to determine who will be responsible for the costs of implementing such a solution. One idea could be some sort of completely government subsidized program for farmers. On the other hand, would this only spur further growth or an industry that contributes so heavily to the overall emissions problem?
As a pilot, several markets may be very open to trying this, if they haven’t already. In Switzerland, for example, most cattle farmers are quite small (<20 cows), and they invest heavily to differentiate themselves as having the healthiest cattle and most sustainable operations. This could be one way for them to further differentiate themselves and improve profits, while helping the environment.
Me! Very interesting and relevant post, thank you.
You mention a lot of reactive resiliency measures to restore operational capabilities during weather disruptions. One thing that came to mind is what type of partnerships could help Logan in these circumstances. For example, are there ways they can leverage the capabilities of rental car companies in the area? Or incorporate their internal vendors into the process so they are also responsible during these situations?
Another thought that came to mind: is Logan doing anything to reduce the significant amount of inefficient airline travel? It is great to see them reducing their emissions, but actual air travel is a huge burden to the ecosystem. While this is not directly under their control, perhaps they could help play a role without compromising their business (e.g., helping travelers chose the most eco-friendly airline routes).