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• EDITOR'S F»/\GE
DCAT: Realizing Its Potential This guest editorial is by John M. Pashko, senior vice president of the Drug, Chem ical & Allied Trades Association (DCAT) and chairman of the 74th annual dinner on March 23 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Pashko, executive director of business affairs at Merck & Co., received a B.S. degree in chemical engineering from City College of New York and an M.B.A. from Rutgers University.
T
he Drug, Chemical & Allied Trades Association (DCAT) is truly a re markable organization. As other or ganizations and companies have come and gone, DCAT has stood the test of time. From its beginnings in 1890 as the Drug Section of the New York Board of Trade, DCATs history has now spanned three centuries. The world of 1890 was obviously quite different than today, and DCATs founding companies, such as McKesson, E. Merck, and Pfizer, could not have possibly foreseen the growth and changes that would occur in the pharmaceutical indus try in the next century and beyond. As DCAT enters the new millennium, the pharmaceutical industry faces new chal lenges and opportunities, and DCAT is ready to support the industry in successful ly meeting those challenges. What will be the significant trends of the 21st century affecting all of industry and in particular the pharmaceutical in dustry? First and foremost is the Information Age. The growth of the Internet, eCom merce, business-to-business commerce, and other technological developments will be important factors in a company's suc cess and perhaps overall survival. And yet it will still be important to maintain a strong network of personal contacts and associations. DCAT's founders had the foresight to realize that such personal interaction will always be a "business constant." Individuals will also be required to constantly update their "personal information database" to meet the challenge of a global business environ ment The need for personal one-on-one contacts will therefore be essential since they represent one-stop shopping for in formation on trends and opportunities in the industry. They are also the portals into the various companies that foster busi ness opportunities for both parties. We should always remember "businesses don't do business, people do business." DCAT, with its diverse membership of more than 450 large and small companies, which cover the spectrum of the pharma ceutical and chemical industries, is in an
excellent position to be the premier net working association. The new century also marks the era of the knowledge worker. The advent of new technology will allow workers to have the opportunity to focus on strategic is sues. It will become more important than ever that a company's employees are aware of the latest trends in the industry. To this end, DCAT has refocused its ef forts on education. These efforts currently include such programs as the Pennsylva nia State University Purchasing Program and Rutgers University Program on Chemical Processing, as well as several other seminars during the year on regula tory and purchasing issues. The 21st century will also be charac terized by the globalization of business, especially in developing countries. China, with its huge market potential, has al ready received a substantial influx of capi tal for manufacturing initiatives. The mar ket has yet to materialize, however, and patience and fortitude will be key ele ments of success in China. India also rep resents a significant opportunity for growth. I have just returned from that country and have observed significant changes since myfirsttrip in 1996. The in frastructure and political climate have im proved, and India's educated technical workforce is a definite strength. India must, however, resolve its present issues relative to intellectual property if it is to re alize its full potential. Again, DCAT is well positioned to assist its members in this trend to greater globalization: More than 50% of DCAT members have an interna tional business presence, and DCAT Week is attended by more than 4,000 peo ple representing companies from all over the world. DCAT stands ready to meet the chal lenge of the new millennium. If we are successful, we will ensure that DCAT moves into its fourth century of existence fulfilling the vision of its founding fathers. John M. Pashko Merck & Co.
Views expressed on this page are those of the author and not necessarily those ofACS MARCH 20, 2000 C&EN
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