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The roadmap is designed to link technological development to the external trends and drivers that will define the future of the chemical industry.
There are several different ways of classifying trends and drivers. In this study the popular ‘STEEP’ model has been used. STEEP stands for:
Social factors relate to the society and the social systems we live in. It includes demographics, lifestyle aspirations and choices, patterns of work and leisure, mobility and migration, and requirements for security, shelter and food. The elements of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
Technological factors relate to the way that broad technological development changes the industrial environment. It includes changes in the way we can manipulate materials, delivery systems, packaging, transportation, communication, information systems and new business models.
Economic factors relate to the impact of the financial systems on a global, national, corporate and personal level. Access to finance, management of risk, and exploitation of differing cost structures across the globe.
Environmental factors relate to the physical environment in which we live. It includes resource consumption, waste generation and disposal, end of life disposal, environmental and health impacts and risks.
Political factors relate to the systems that govern us at the global, national and local levels. It includes policy, regulation and legislation, and the political processes that drive them.
For each of the five elements there is a vision and a set of trends and drivers important to the chemical industry.
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