Schaeffler considers innovation as one of its key foundations and as a vital component to attaining lucrative and forward-looking growth apart from being an essential part of the company’s DNA. Since it was established, ‘thinking outside the box’ has been one of the prime factors in its success, and needs not only a high level of technological know-how but also knowledge of potential new markets and fields of application. Therefore, two things are required: an active exchange across organizational boundaries and a reliable network of partners from the fields of industry and research.
The German company’s new “Open Inspiration” event held in Herzogenaurach, at which research institutions, external companies, and universities showcase their newest developments and research activities, was created exactly for this purpose. The goal is to enable a dynamic exchange of information and ideas with Schaeffler employees. Close partnership has already been established with the institutions and companies that are participating.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Gutzmer, Deputy CEO and Chief Technology Officer at Schaeffler, said in a statement that he is impressed at how close the contact is between Schaeffler and its external partners. He added that this underlines the great significance given to their culture of innovation.
Schaeffler employees and the exhibitors had an exchange of information and ideas in five topic areas such as digitalization, mobility, energy and environment, production and process technology, and new materials and lightweight construction that support the core areas of their “Mobility for tomorrow” strategy concept.
In a statement, Dr. Heinrich Schäperkötter, Vice President of Innovation Strategy, explained that their goal in creating the new “Open Inspiration” format was to bring extra external push into the company. “The objective of this event is to exchange challenges and ideas, to inspire one another, and to collectively broaden our horizons.”
During the run-up event, Schaeffler’s employees were asked to suggest any potential exhibitors. Over 50 companies, universities and research institutions presented their ideas.
