Open innovation: Beiersdorf strengthens efforts in the hunt for new technologies
Working in collaboration with global open innovation platform Network Innoget, the Nivea parent company will increase the reach of its own platform, ‘Trusted Network’, by positioning it as a profile on the Innoget portal.
The platform encourages networking between innovators in the scientific community and wider beauty industry in “a confidential and protected environment”, according to Beiersdorf, which notes that it hopes now to broaden the scope of its innovation hunt beyond cosmetics.
“With the connection of the two portals, we are strengthening our network with external partners, especially in the areas of Life Science and Chemistry”, explains Pia Rücker, Senior Technology Manager in Beiersdorf’s Research & Development.
“At the same time, we’re improving the visibility of our company as an innovative cooperation partner for other industries and for research institutes and universities.”
Successful hunting
Beiersdorf says that its Pearlfinders open innovation strategy to date has enjoyed success in seeking out new and upcoming technologies and connections, and this has motivated the company's move to further grow its activities in this area.
“In addition to maintaining the network and strategic partnerships with leading research institutes, universities and suppliers, Beiersdorf has systematically expanded its activities in this area in recent years,” the company confirms.
“Other open innovation formats from Beiersdorf include, for example, in-house events like the Supplier Fair and the Formulation Academy, at which select innovation partners present ideas and trends.”
Honing in on innovation
Beiersdorf isn’t the only beauty and personal care player stepping up its efforts when it comes to innovation.
Shiseido, Japanese beauty giant, recently announced an overhaul in how it structures its research and development in order to strengthen its innovation capabilities.
Through setting its R&D up around a ‘hub and spoke’ system, which sees regional research centres taking the lead on catering their efforts to their local markets, the beauty company hopes to be responsive to local insights, maximising the potential to roll them out on a global scale with great efficiency.
"It is our goal to deliver the innovative products developed based on the insights and values of our consumers around the world," the company confirmed.
