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Seoul, South Korea – October 26, 2023 – Amidst global economic uncertainty and rapid technological shifts, a new wave of entrepreneurial opportunity is emerging, particularly within the bio-agriculture and agricultural technology (AgTech) sectors. Experts are urging product managers (PMs) to leverage this moment, emphasizing the importance of establishing a strong domain expertise and a compelling narrative for success.
The current climate, often described as a period of disruption, presents a fertile ground for startups. Areas like precision farming, vertical agriculture, and bio-engineered crop solutions are experiencing increased investment and demand. However, success hinges on a fundamental principle: a relentless focus on the user. According to industry analysts at Wishket, a leading freelance platform, the role of the PM is evolving to become increasingly akin to that of a CEO, requiring a holistic understanding of the market and a clear vision for product growth.
This isn’t simply about responding to stated customer needs, but anticipating unarticulated desires.The core of effective product management, experts say, lies in achieving “product insight” – a deep understanding of the underlying problems users face, even before they themselves recognize them.
The concept of product insight is famously illustrated by Steve Jobs, who often referenced Henry Ford’s observation: “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” This anecdote, detailed in Walter Isaacson’s biography *Steve Jobs*, highlights the danger of solely relying on customer feedback. Jobs believed that true innovation comes from understanding the fundamental need – in Ford’s case, faster transportation – rather than simply improving existing solutions.
The key, as explained by industry thought leaders, is to shift the question from “How can we make a better [existing product]?” to “What problem are we truly solving?” Such as, instead of asking “How can we make a better smartphone?”, a product manager with insight might ask, “how can we better connect people and data?”
“The moment of product insight is fleeting and uniquely felt by the product manager,” emphasizes Noh Hee-sun, editor at IT These Days. “It’s a convergence of user research, market analysis, and a deep understanding of the technology at hand. It’s the spark that ignites truly innovative products.” Recent examples include the development of drone-based crop monitoring systems by companies like PrecisionHawk (based in Cary, North Carolina) and the rise of indoor vertical farms like Plenty (San Francisco, California), both addressing critical needs in the agricultural sector.