The Market for Assistive Technologies and Commercial Development:  The attached article on the market for assistive technologies has some bold predictions about commercial opportunities.  Given your interest in business (i.e. finance, accounting, marketing, global management, etc.), what commercial opportunity in assistive technologies stands out for you?

In the article, electrical stimulation technology stood out to me.  I feel this specific technology would be crucial in helping people who were crippled in accidents in the rehabilitation of effected body parts.  I feel this product has huge potential.  If it proves to be effective, it could be placed in every single hospital, physical therapy center, and home of people who need it.

The Market for Assistive Technologies and Social Impact: The article also offers us a glimpse of some of the social impacts that are possible through an attention to the development of this market.  What specific positive social impact is likely/possible if the market continues to develop?

If the market for electrical stimulation technology continues to grow, then it could have profound effects on people with physical impairments.  It could allow easier access to high-cost technology at local rehabilitation centers.  Therefore, the positive social impact is the fact that this type of technology would become more accessible if it was mass produced and allocated across the country.

Other Examples Like This?:  Based on our review of the market for assistive technologies as an area of opportunities for commercial development and opportunities for social impact, what other types of markets (likely in areas related to people, planet and profit) offer opportunities for commercial development and social impact? 

Clothing is another industry that has another opportunity to impact society positively.  Companies like Thread can create a sustainable business model that helps the planet and environment.  They also have the ability to change people’s lives by investing back into the community through providing education, housing, food, water, or anything else they would need.  Finally, they would generate more profit if they actually followed this model, since there products would be deemed as quality—ultimately increasing demand.