At the turn of the century

the global polymer industry is undergoing the most rapid and dramatic changes in itshistory. Emerging markets

particularly in Asia

and their polymer consumption are catching up with other parts of the world

creating new business opportunities. Economy of scale

combined with optimized logistic concepts

is becoming a keyeconomic success factor

thus forcing smaller suppliers out of business and creating a major hurdle for newcomers and the introduction of new products.Globalization of polymer customers and cost pressure lead to a consolidation of suppliers and products.Today standard thermoplastics have a dominant position in the market and they will retain this position in future.Engineering thermoplastics are facing growing competition due to the increased of standard polymers.This leads to a displacement process where standard polymers substitute engineering thermoplastics.Simultaneously engineering polymers are pushing into new markets or applications or displacing materials like glass

wood or metal.The recent history and future trends have a strong impact on R & D activity in the polymer industry.Competition on a global scale and increasing cost pressure are turning innovation into an essential precondition of commercial success

thus determining the objectives of industrial polymer research and development.