Panel I - Innovative Process and its modalities
Paper N1.3 - New Innovation Concepts at Degussa Project Houses
and New Business Development
Michael Droescher, Corporate Innovation Management Degussa
AG, Germany
Abstract: Degussa is an entirely newly formed multinational
corporation consistently aligned to highly profitable specialty
chemistry. With sales of EUR 11,8 billion and a workforce of some
48.000 it is Germany´s third-largest chemical company and
world market leader in specialty chemicals. In fiscal year 2002,
the corporation generated operating profit (EBITA) of more than
EUR 900 million. Degussa´s core strength lies in highly effective
system solutions tailored to the requirement of its customers in
over 100 countries throughout the world. led by the vision "Everybody
benefits from a Degussa product - every day and everywhere".
The corporate unit Innovation Management plays are key roll in
Degussa´s innovation process in supporting operational business
units in there respective research and development efforts.
Corporate R&D activities with long term and strategic relevance
are performed independently. These projects are run by the Creavis
organization. They are focused on product or market segments outside
the current portfolio that have high growth and revenue potential.
Innovation Management enhances the efficiency of R&D by creating
and supporting corporate technology platforms. Examples are our
so called project houses for nanomaterials, biotechnology and catalysis.
In addition, partnerships with universities and R&D institutes
are initiated worldwide.
The project houses run for three years to establish innovative
technology platforms. The funding is provided by the participating
business units to keep the focus on business issues and by corporate
to promote the new platform.
