The Carnot label is to promote research partnership i

Is it that brings Viadeo, EO2, Sérédomia and 3DTV It's simple: these SMEs were able to create and grow on carrying niches. Whether it's the surging Internet, green energy, human services or new technologies, all have anticipated trends and invested niches growing. And, more generally, as is clear from a recent KPMG study champions SMEs development, those whose growth is four times greater than the average of their sector of activity since 2001, all have one thing in common: they were able to identify new development opportunities by diversifying their products and their customer.

To do this, these companies have relied on several levers: innovation, external growth, diversification or paid search for niche markets. Then, that you are a creator or already business leader, one of the keys to success is there: find the niche, the niche will be in perfect accord with the market in the short or medium term.

Among these markets offering beautiful perspectives, thought immediately to the Internet. But the Web is always an eldorado Yes, but not consistently. Thus, in a context of crisis, e-commerce appears across the wash safely. According to the Fevad (Federation of e-commerce and distance selling), online sales were even an increase of 27 over the first nine months of the year 2009 and in three years, the number of cyber-buyers increased by 43. So far, the premium to the first entrants makes difficult the emergence of new enterprises. Internet is probably more open to the designs of new services, as felt it Dan Serfaty, creator of Viadeo, who gambled before everyone on the explosion of professional social networks on the Net.

A tailored offer

In any other field - sustainable development-, the prospects are tantalizing. Thus, according to recent data published by Ademe (environment and energy control agency), with a growth of 28 over the period 2006-2008, the market of goods and services contributing to the improvement of energy efficiency and renewable energy development is one of the sectors which are the more resistant to the economic crisis. This market has thus exceeded the bar of the 50 billion euros in 2008 and was $ 57 billion in 2009. Growth being drawn by the renewable energy (in particular photovoltaic and heat pumps) and improvement of energy efficiency in transport. And if the ticket for entry into these markets is heavy, other malignant ideas can emerge, such as Kbane, a concept of signs dedicated to the world of sustainable development. On the market of services to the person, the euphoria of the early days gave way to reason. But if is 500,000 jobs predicted by Jean-Louis Borloo at the launch of its services in 2005 plan, this market represented in 2007, according to the COE-Rexecode, a total of over Institute of 20 billion euros of turnover. So far, this sector, still occupied by many associations and plagued by the black work, is always in search of profitable business models. Which does not prevent of stories can be meet, as shown by Pascale Fontenel, creative Sérédomia, who made the bet of a greater professionalization of services at home.

Here, the keys to successful share offer customized and rigorous training of persons. The companies that have been proven are those which have both able to combine a solid recruitment with a smaller offer (one or two benefits) but on a larger territory. In summary, less services, but high-value human services. In addition to these large currents, new business ideas can be accomplished on other trends. The decline in purchasing power thus paves the way for creation of concepts trend "low cost" (real estate agency, fast food, etc.).

The Carnot label

The ageing of the population may also generate opportunities of creation: shops dedicated to the seniors, designing tailored products, travel agencies, etc. Advice: monitor news, legislative developments, ideas can emulate. Thus, the carbon tax and environmental issue can pave the way for alternative solutions such as the car at the time, professional car rental. In the United States, the number one sector, Zipcar launched in 2000, has more subscribers 180.000. And to the United Kingdom, this niche displays an annual growth of 15.

To innovate more sharp areas, a good track to finish: the Carnot institutes. The Carnot label is to promote research partnership, i.e. the conduct of research conducted by public laboratories in partnership with socio-economic actors, including with enterprises. A true pool of innovative ideas!