Football and Future Trends

Articles From: Heptagon Capital
Website: Heptagon Capital

By:

Equity Fund Manager

Heptagon Capital

Your author recently returned (albeit virtually) to his former college to interview Iain McCulloch, Professor of Polymer Chemistry at the University of Oxford. Our wide-ranging discussion took in everything from climate change to the world’s ageing population via what scientists can learn from successful Glaswegian football managers. Throughout, Iain’s message was clear: give people inspiring projects, get them to collaborate, but also learn when to move on – and the planet’s problems can begin to get solved.

Professor McCulloch can certainly boast an impressive CV, having worked in both academia and industry on several continents. His research output extends to around 400 peer-reviewed papers and over 60 patents filed. Despite such an enviable career (and perhaps since he was speaking to a liberal arts graduate), Iain was remarkably down to earth. Applied chemistry, he highlighted, had always been his passion since it has “practical relevance.”

Most of Iain’s focus has been within the fields of healthcare and energy. Begin with the former and science clearly needs to respond to the challenge of a growing and ageing population. Practically, this means bringing more affordable healthcare solutions to market more efficiently. An increasing emphasis needs to be placed on “thinking beyond medicine”, primarily around (pre-emptive) diagnostics, per Iain. This was a theme we first discussed in our own work over a decade ago.

When it comes to climate change, “we’re really in trouble”, according to Iain. Politicians need to move beyond “posturing” to tangible actions. From a practical perspective, this means thinking more about how to accelerate the switch away from carbon dioxide-emitting energy sources to better solutions. These would include solar, hydrogen and superior energy storage. Improving technology and falling costs are helping accelerate the rate of innovation, particularly on the boundaries of what solar panels can do. Our original work on the case for solar can be found here, and on hydrogen here.

Professor McCulloch did sound an optimistic note on the future. Climate change is at “the forefront of thinking” among younger people, in his view, while the recent pandemic clearly demonstrated that science can deliver “practical solutions” to problems. However, it is important to show “no sentimentality” when doing novel research, an approach Iain described, that was also successfully pursued by fellow Glaswegian, Sir Alex Ferguson, in his time as Manchester United’s most successful manager. When things change or simply don’t work, then move on. We are sympathetic to such a stance. It is also consistent with Darwin’s famous dictum – and touchstone for how we consider the future – that the species (or businesses) which survive will be neither those that are the strongest nor the most intelligent; rather, those that are most responsive to change.

Originally Posted November 22, 2022 – Football and future trends

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The above does not constitute investment advice and is the sole opinion of the author at the time of publication. Past performance is no guide to future performance and the value of investments and income from them can fall as well as rise.

Separately, and in case you missed it, interested readers can now view our 2023 Outlook piece, which was released last week.

Disclosure: Heptagon Capital

The document is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or any recommendation to buy, or sell or otherwise transact in any investments. The document is not intended to be construed as investment research. The contents of this document are based upon sources of information which Heptagon Capital believes to be reliable. However, except to the extent required by applicable law or regulations, no guarantee, warranty or representation (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this document or its contents and, Heptagon Capital, its affiliate companies and its members, officers, employees, agents and advisors do not accept any liability or responsibility in respect of the information or any views expressed herein. Opinions expressed whether in general or in both on the performance of individual investments and in a wider economic context represent the views of the contributor at the time of preparation. Where this document provides forward-looking statements which are based on relevant reports, current opinions, expectations and projections, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. All opinions and estimates included in the document are subject to change without notice and Heptagon Capital is under no obligation to update or revise information contained in the document. Furthermore, Heptagon Capital disclaims any liability for any loss, damage, costs or expenses (including direct, indirect, special and consequential) howsoever arising which any person may suffer or incur as a result of viewing or utilising any information included in this document.

The document is protected by copyright. The use of any trademarks and logos displayed in the document without Heptagon Capital’s prior written consent is strictly prohibited. Information in the document must not be published or redistributed without Heptagon Capital’s prior written consent.

Heptagon Capital LLP, 63 Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HS
tel +44 20 7070 1800
fax +44 20 7070 1881
email [email protected]

Partnership No: OC307355 Registered in England and Wales Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Disclosure: Interactive Brokers

Information posted on IBKR Campus that is provided by third-parties does NOT constitute a recommendation that you should contract for the services of that third party. Third-party participants who contribute to IBKR Campus are independent of Interactive Brokers and Interactive Brokers does not make any representations or warranties concerning the services offered, their past or future performance, or the accuracy of the information provided by the third party. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

This material is from Heptagon Capital and is being posted with its permission. The views expressed in this material are solely those of the author and/or Heptagon Capital and Interactive Brokers is not endorsing or recommending any investment or trading discussed in the material. This material is not and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any security. It should not be construed as research or investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security or commodity. This material does not and is not intended to take into account the particular financial conditions, investment objectives or requirements of individual customers. Before acting on this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, as necessary, seek professional advice.