Introduction
In the past century, the world has seen unprecedented evolution. In the past two decades alone, societal, technological, environmental, and economic change has been accelerating exponentially. Though change leads to progress and improvement, it can also mean obsolescence to companies that do not take adequate action to adapt to it.
It is difficult to adapt- especially with change accelerating so rapidly. This complication has led to the rise of the trend spotting industry- a new breed of experts and consultants specializing in new developments and capable of helping companies adjust to them and maintain relevance- and even profit from new markets and improved technology.
Due to growing demand, increasingly sophisticated clients, and new methodologies, the trend spotting industry has grown significantly more complex. At the same time, perceptions of the trend spotting industry have remained somewhat static over the past decade.
The purpose of this industry analysis is to therefore provide an updated snapshot of the trend spotting industry for the year 2010. After a quick look at the industry’s definition and past, I will describe the industry’s current characteristics and configuration, as well as provide some insights as to how the industry will change in the decades to come.
. . .
This analysis is to be continued… check back for new installments!
. . .
Works Cited
Frontline: The Merchants of Cool. Prod. Rachel Dretzin and Barak Goodman. By Rachel Dretzin. Perf. Douglass Rushkoff. PBS, 2001. Frontline: The Merchants of Cool. PBS – WGBH Educational Foundation. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool/>.
Higham, William. The Next Big Thing: Spotting and Forecasting Consumer Trends for Profit. London: Kogan Page, 2009. Print.
Throsby, Margaret. “Richard Watson.” Mornings with Margaret Throsby. ABC Radio, 13 Apr. 2010. Radio.
