AAA Gaule’s Question Time: AkzoNobel

Gaule’s Question Time: AkzoNobel

Gaule: Give a brief description of the purpose of your open innovation programme, when it was formed and the process in your organisation.

Kielstra: We have been open in our approach to innovation for many decades, especially in our relationships with potential suppliers.

For the past two years we have had a dedicated team reporting into the research and development (R&D) director as a consequence of a new business strategy after the acquisition of ICI Paints. All product categories, five in total, have a global innovation roadmap with clear deliverables for R&D. In some areas we feel we can better work with external partners because of expertise and speed.

It is the role of our team to find the best partners, and run the projects with them. Apart from supporting the categories, we also run design projects in the field of applicators and packaging, as we work solely with external partners in this area.

Gaule: Give an overview of the people in the team and the partners you work with.

Kielstra: Apart from my role as head of open innovation, we have two technology scouts, one in the US and one in Europe, plus three project managers dealing with applicators and design.

For problem broadcasting we have developed a programme with NineSigma, and as part of this we have another 10 so-called network innovation champions around the world. This matrix structure has been proven very effective in knowledge sharing and problem solving, initially internally and also towards external partners.

Gaule: What has been your approach with emerging markets – which countries, products and business models are you using?

Kielstra: AkzoNobel has built a presence in high-growth countries. They form a critical part of our ambitious growth strategy towards 2015. In terms of development and infrastructure,

I am not sure we can still talk about emerging economies in the case of Brazil, China and India. More than 10% of our R&D capability is in China and more than 50% of our workforce is outside Europe and the US.

Gaule: What has been your most interesting recent innovation and development?

Kielstra: I am a big fan of our Dulux iPhone and smartphone application with all its features. Last year in Asia we introduced a product called Keep Cool as part of the Dulux Weathershield range. This product for exterior walls and roofs reduces the surface temperature up to 5 degrees Celsius, which creates great savings on energy bills.

Gaule: What is your view of current market conditions for starting an innovation?

Kielstra: Times are over when one could try something new "below the radar" in a remote market, to test market pick-up. The world has become so small and transparent.

This brings a great challenge for big innovations the world is waiting for, to find the real unmet needs. In some areas we are scouting, the start-up activity is just overwhelming, which makes it hard to find the right partners, but in general it is a great joy to experience all the energy and activity.

I also feel money is not the single driver anymore. A lot of partners want to make the world a better place with their innovation, which is a great thing. Economic success will breed lots of innovations, but ultimately we need to build a much more sustainable way of living and working. Innovation through co-operation will play a big role.

Gaule: What do you do to relax when you are not supporting the building of ventures?

Kielstra: When there are no work or family obligations, you will find me on the water, as I have a great passion for sailing. I also (e-)read a lot.

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