In developed countries, a significant portion of scientific research—around 80%—is conducted by large corporations, and these companies also hold the majority of technological patents. This is driven by their deep understanding of market competition, where continuous innovation in products and technology becomes the key to long-term business success. One such company with a rich history of innovation is BASF, a leading chemical company that has been operating for over 140 years. Recently, Dr. Stefan Marcinowski, Executive Director of R&D at BASF, shared insights into how the company maintains its competitive edge through strategic investment in research and development.
BASF allocates approximately one billion euros annually for R&D, which represents about 3% of its total sales. Of this budget, 80% is directly funded by individual business units, ensuring that the projects align with the company's overall strategy. The remaining 20% is reserved for exploring new technologies or markets that are not yet part of BASF’s core operations. These exploratory projects are more experimental in nature, but if they show promise, they can be further supported by the business units and eventually brought to market. For instance, BASF pioneered the commercial use of ionic liquids and has successfully launched products like BASIONICS and BASIL under this innovation.
BASF’s innovation strategy is built on three pillars: innovative processes, innovative products, and system solutions. By continuously improving production efficiency and reducing resource consumption, the company enhances its competitive position. A notable example is the new THF production process introduced in Shanghai, which uses natural gas-derived butane instead of previous intermediates, making the process more efficient and sustainable.
In the field of crop protection, product innovation plays a vital role. BASF’s Boscalid is a widely used fungicide known for its broad-spectrum activity and effectiveness in controlling various plant diseases. It is used across multiple crops, including fruits, vegetables, and cereals.
Another key aspect of BASF’s approach is developing system solutions in collaboration with customers. By working closely with partners like Adidas, the company creates innovative products, such as sports shoes with honeycomb soles made from special polyurethane materials.
Innovation, according to BASF, relies heavily on a strong knowledge network. The company invests in both internal R&D and external collaborations, currently funding over 1,200 joint research projects. With around 6,800 R&D professionals worldwide, BASF maintains global research hubs in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and collaborates with universities, research institutes, and industry partners globally.
As China continues to grow economically, BASF has increased its presence there. Since 1997, the company has supported Chinese academic institutions through the Sino-German R&D Fund, investing over 1.75 million USD in 44 projects and providing scholarships to nearly 1,100 students. This long-term commitment reflects BASF’s belief in the importance of fostering innovation through collaboration with the Chinese academic community.
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