The initiative was first launched in June 2016, looking to encourage research and developers to cross link internal knowledge and external innovation.
The Germany-headquartered Nivea manufacturer says that its first period of operation, up to the end of 2016, was a success, and is set to build on this moving forward.
“Beiersdorf will continue and further extend its Open Innovation journey in 2017,” it states.
How does it work?
Beiersdorf states that its PearlFinders platform, around which its Open Innovation initiative is based, is built around three key pillars.
First, the company runs a ‘trusted network’, by which partners can confidently connect with current, exciting R&D challenges, and can post promising solutions. The overall aim, Beiersdorf says, is to develop future innovations in mutual business relationships.
Secondly, it organises a supplier fair, opening the doors to some of its most innovative partners from raw materials, active ingredients, packaging and third party development.
“We want to open the dialogue with partners who have an unconventional approach to innovation,” says May Shana’a, head of global R&D at Beiersdorf.
“Cross functional discussions on inspiring new technologies and concepts pave the way to future innovation.”
Ready for ‘innovation 4.0’
Thirdly, the company focuses on exchanging with partners from other industries and sharing best practice: one action taken towards this pillar in 2016 was Beiersdorf acting as one of the hosts of a series of ‘Innovation Excellence Days’, in November.
“Participating companies like BMW gave insights on how to foster innovation culture within organizations to be ready for Innovation 4.0,” Beiersdorf explains.