E Ink Case Study
Homework 2: Due Session 2, April 22 2017 8 AM (1-2 page response is sufficient)
E Ink is pioneering technologies that will require huge investments to realize the founder’s dream.
- Applying the cloverleaf model from one of the readings ( “Development of a Technology Readiness Assessment Measure “), how do you assess/score E Ink’s technology? You might consider one of the market segments.
Condition | Extent to Which Condition is Met | Level of Confidence | Wtd. Score |
Market Readiness | |||
The technology offers significant identifiable and quantifiable benefits | 3 | 3 | 9 |
The product/process has distinct advantages over competing products | 3 | 3 | 9 |
The technology has future uses | 3 | 3 | 9 |
There is a definable marketable product | 3 | 2 | 6 |
A defined market is accessible | 2 | 2 | 4 |
The market is a large one | 3 | 2 | 6 |
The market is a growing one | 3 | 3 | 9 |
The technology has immediate market uses | 3 | 3 | 9 |
The technology will be first-to-market | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Manufacturing is determined to be feasible | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Market Readiness Score (Max. 90) Subtotal | 63 | ||
Technology Readiness | |||
The technology is a new, non-obvious invention | 2 | 2 | 4 |
The patent and literature search are complete and clear | 2 | 2 | 4 |
There are no other dominant patents | 2 | 2 | 4 |
The technology is state-of-the-art or breakthrough | 2 | 2 | 4 |
The technology is a core or platform technology | 3 | 3 | 9 |
No pending publications (Canada only) | 3 | 3 | 9 |
Technology Readiness Score (Max. 45 or 54) Subtotal | 34 | ||
Commercial Readiness | |||
Prospective licensees are identified | 3 | 3 | 9 |
Inventor has industry contacts | 3 | 3 | 9 |
Licensee financial support is available for further development/patenting | 3 | 2 | 6 |
There is access to venture capital | 3 | 2 | 6 |
A positive return on investment is expected | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Royalty/licensing income expected to provide positive net present value | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Low marketing costs (Canada only) | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Government support available for additional development (Universities only) | 3 | 3 | 9 |
Commercial Readiness Score (Max. 54 or 63 or 71) Subtotal | 45 | ||
Management Readiness | |||
Inventor will champion as a team player | 3 | 3 | 9 |
The inventor has realistic expectations for success | 3 | 3 | 9 |
The inventor is recognized and established in the field | 3 | 3 | 9 |
Commercialization skills are available | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Management capabilities are available | 3 | 2 | 6 |
Inventor holds patent (Government labs only) | 3 | 3 | 9 |
Management Readiness Score (Max. 45 or 54) Subtotal | 46 | ||
TOTAL SCORE | 188 |
This is my assessment assuming full potential for E ink which opens it to multiple market segments. In my opinion, given the nature and therefore possible uses of the product, it would be unfair to assess its potential in only one market segment. That would not do justice to the product overall.