In developed countries, a significant majority—around 80%—of scientific research is conducted within large corporations, and a substantial number of technological patents are also owned by these companies. This trend stems from their deep understanding of market competition, where continuous innovation in products and technology serves as the key driver for long-term business sustainability. One such company with a rich history of innovation is BASF, a leading chemical enterprise that has been operating for over 140 years. Recently, Dr. Stefan Marcinowski, Executive Director of R&D at BASF, shared insights into the company’s approach to innovation during an interview.
BASF currently invests approximately one billion euros annually in R&D, which constitutes about 3% of its total sales. Of this budget, 80% is directly funded by the company’s various business units, ensuring that R&D projects align closely with the strategic goals of each department. The remaining 20% is allocated for exploratory research—aimed at developing new technologies or products in areas where BASF has not yet entered. These projects are more experimental in nature, but if they demonstrate potential, they can be taken up by the relevant business units for further development and commercialization. For instance, BASF pioneered the commercial use of ionic liquids and has successfully launched them under the trade names BASIONICS and BASIL.
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 strengthens its competitive edge. A notable example is a new THF (tetrahydrofuran) production process developed by BASF, which was first implemented in the Shanghai Yu Chemical Industry Park. This process uses butane derived from natural gas instead of the previous intermediate step involving 1,4-butanediol, significantly enhancing efficiency and competitiveness.
In the field of crop protection, product innovation plays a vital role. Boscalid, a new bactericide developed by BASF, offers broad-spectrum activity and is widely used in agriculture to combat fungal diseases. It can be applied alone or in combination with other effective bactericides, making it a versatile tool for farmers growing fruits, vegetables, and field crops like rape and cereals.
Another key aspect of BASF’s success is its focus on system solutions. By working closely with customers and partners, the company gains valuable insights into market needs and develops tailored innovations. An example of this collaboration is the partnership with Adidas to create sports shoes featuring a honeycomb sole made from BASF’s special polyurethane.
Innovation, according to BASF, relies heavily on a strong knowledge network. With over 6,800 researchers worldwide, the company leverages both internal expertise and external partnerships. Its core R&D centers in Ludwigshafen, Germany, serve as the foundation for global innovation, supported by a vast network that includes universities, research institutes, and industry partners. BASF allocates 10% of its R&D budget to external collaborations, currently managing over 1,200 joint research projects.
As China continues to grow economically, its strategic importance for BASF has increased. Since 1997, BASF has invested in the Sino-German R&D Fund, contributing 30 million RMB to support research at Chinese universities and institutions. By 2004, the fund had already supported 44 projects with over $1.75 million in investments, covering fields such as polymer science, nanotechnology, and biotechnology. Additionally, nearly 1,100 students have benefited from BASF’s scholarships across ten universities. The company remains committed to long-term collaboration with Chinese academia, focusing on emerging technologies and expanding its research footprint in the region.
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