Ciba Elaboration: A Century of Innovation Genes
The technology-based Swiss chemical industry has now become Switzerland's second largest export industry after the machinery industry. However, unlike some developed countries, the export scale does not rely on product tonnage, but on a large number of research and development. Investment-based, highly specialized and high value-added chemical products. Ciba Specialty Chemicals is a representative of a typical Swiss chemical company.
Although the long history can be regarded as a brand advantage, the fact that this old brand is still standing at the front of fine chemical industry after it was born more than 200 years ago is a spirit of innovation that has been passed down from time to time, creating a lot of advantages in the field of fine chemicals. one. More than 100 years ago, Ciba refined the world's first synthetic aniline dye for the textile industry, setting a milestone in the history of dyes. Today, in the areas of textiles, plastics, inks, coatings, paper, automobiles, and household and personal care products, Ciba's refined products have become the preferred choice for those excellent brands.
However, fine chemicals and the entire chemical industry are facing unprecedented challenges. In addition to facing ever-changing markets, we are also facing environmental challenges. Dr. Hao Zhimin emphasized that today's situation in this industry is much more severe than it was 20 or even 10 years ago. Turning the crisis into a turning point requires forward-looking technological innovation.
In the past, chemical products produced by chemical manufacturers were able to meet the performance requirements of users. Now users are not only satisfied with obtaining quality products, but also hope that manufacturers can help them reduce energy consumption, reduce wastewater treatment costs, and optimize processes to reduce costs. For us, this comprehensive solution for product-plus-technical services is the new growth opportunity. Now Ciba's investment in this area has made gratifying returns. In the past, high-grade textile chemicals were not popular in China, but they are now being accepted by more and more users. After adopting high-value-added products, customers have found that their products' competitiveness in the market has improved.
Changing markets make R&D more challenging. What companies think about most is what the market needs today, how tomorrow's market will develop, what future market trends will be, and how timely new products will be introduced. The strategy of Ciba's refinement is to hold advanced technology in advance and use our innovative technology to guide the market. This requires not only foresight but also strength.
In the past, as long as manufacturers knew what their direct customers needed, they would have a place in the market. Now you have to figure out what your customers are thinking about and analyze market demand changes from the entire industry chain to lock in R&D goals. This requires a forward-looking vision. The customer's priority has become Ciba's constant research and development philosophy.
Dr. Hao Zhimin introduced that after researching the information from the market and locking in innovation targets, 1,600 scientists in Ciba's R&D centers around the world began to innovate their inspiration into practical new technologies. To this end, the company spends more than 4% of its sales revenue each year on research and development. In order to shorten the industrialization cycle of new achievements, Ciba Specialty Chemicals adopts a scientific and effective method, rationally uses manpower and material resources, carries out cross-sector technical cooperation, and focuses on key breakthroughs. In addition, Ciba Specialty Chemicals has also established close cooperative relationships with 76 universities, making full use of various resources for its R&D services.
Dr. Hao Zhimin pointed out in particular that, in stark contrast to the current lack of independent innovation capability of Chinese companies, foreign companies have a strong R&D force, especially large companies. Large companies are places where university professors are exported. A company that does not have R&D capability cannot create a first place. Without a technological innovation advantage, it will lose its competitiveness in the long run.