Kenaf Commercialization: Key Strategic Questions

摘要

Numerous research and development projects and hundreds of papers written over the last 30 to 40 years demonstrate the great potential of kenaf. Many of the participants in this conference have contributed to these efforts. Potential is very exciting. When we see great potential, we are full of hope and expectations. But, unrealized potential is disappointing and sad. Ten years ago, one kenaf researcher wrote: "There are rare occasions in the cycle of business that the technology, economics, industry cycle, social justice, politics, and the environment all come together and focus on a unique opportunity, requiring only capital and organization for a large result." During these ten years, we have seen some small results, but as yet, no large ones. We are still waiting for a commercial breakthrough that demonstrates to the world that kenaf is more than a "beautiful dream, "that kenaf is "commercial success. This paper does not address kenaf's potential. It addresses how kenaf can realize it's potential. We know a great deal about kenaf. Kenaf's potential is clear but how to realize the potential is still unclear. To encourage a practical focus on the challenges of commercialization, I raise several key strategic questions with the hope that conference participants can continue to mobilize the knowledge, skill and resources to make kenaf a commercial success.