151 Mapping opportunities and threats for the future demand of red blood cells in the Netherlands Table 4.3 Summary of the opportunities and mitigating measures per theme (Continued) 2. RBC replacements Opportunities and threats • Mitigating measures • Rise of various artificial/cultured RBCs, cellular products/ therapies, or surgical technology that decreases blood loss • Decreased demand in human RBCs due to improved patient health (e.g., patients less anemic post-oncology) • Monitor demand patterns of RBCs and remain aware of changes in different factors that may impact demand • Continue our research on cultured RBCs and partner with medical specialties who are doing projects on alternative products 3. Precision medicine Opportunities Mitigating measures • Improved use and effectiveness of donations/ products/ patient care • Continuously consult with stakeholders (e.g., hospitals, patients, donors) to identify their true needs, concerns, expectations • Increasing knowledge and research activities on precision medicine for donors and patients and combining these initiatives • Threats • Insufficient availability of specific donors/ products • More complex logistics 4. Commercialization/Open EU market Opportunities Mitigating measures • There is external drive to become more innovative • Expanding Sanquin’s operations and services internationally • International cooperation/merges increase selfsufficiency and sensitivity to market/demand changes • Actively monitor development of products and prices in other countries and review our own position therein • Ensure that there is a competitive edge within the product range as compared to comparable blood banks • Demonstrate that the added value of Sanquin’s products and services is recognized and appreciated by its customers • Invest in innovations to maintain a competitive edge with other blood banks • Explore the potential of developing alternative commercial products and/or services • Opportunity and threat • Competition from other blood banks legalized in the Netherlands or from foreign products • Maintaining Sanquin’s high price only if the added value is recognized by the customer • Threats • Continuity of the company is at stake when no competitive edge is found • Costs of blood products become too high
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