Assignment
Current situation of the Russian-Dutch relationship
Nowadays it is starting to be obvious that because of the current political, economic and social situation, it is not that easy to start an international company or invest money into foreign markets. But what is certainly true, is that any crisis will be over sooner or later and then, those companies, that weren't scared to conquer a new market within difficult situations, became winners after a hard time and difficult start. Dutch entrepreneurs were well known in Russia, since Peter the Great was studying at The Netherlands at the beginning of the 18th century. Up to 2013 Dutch-Russian economic and trade relations became stronger every year, with a peak during the bilateral Dutch-Russian year of friendship. Educational projects are non-political, and we are glad that we can continue our work in helping students to develop their skills in international business practice, to show that we are contributing to peace and understanding between nations, even in this time of political difficulties.
About the Company «Nanoprint»
Nanoprint has found a solution to produce flexible solar panels, based on "printing" solar cells with a nanospray, much like a 3D printer. This technology is not only convenient for the end-user, but it is also very cheap to produce. Nanoprint claims material costs of only $0.12 per square meter, which is way below the current market average. According to some rough calculations, an average family in Europe may need only 2 years to earn back the investment.
About the product
Printed solar cells may be the next breakthrough innovation, which makes solar energy a cheap and reliable source of energy for all types of households and businesses. At the moment, the company is ready to put their product on the market and is looking for opportunities to sell the product worldwide.
More information can be found here:
http://www.slideshare.net/DimitryLopatin/printed-metamaterial-solar-cell
http://www.slideshare.net/DimitryLopatin/printed-solar-broshure
Nanoprint thinks European market will be interesting for them. They suspect there will be enough demand to operate with a profit.
Research questions to student teams:
• What are the risks for the Solarcell-business in the EU and what kind of possible barriers can you see?
• What is the size of the market for the product of the company and which competing systems are in use already?
• Which legislation is applicable for Solarcells, especially the printed ones?
• What strategy you suggest to the company for a successful start of their business in the EU? What is the team vision on how to conquer the European market?
• Find out what could be the most successful market entry strategy and business model: agents, production, sales office, licencing, joint venture, or others?
