Investor Presentaiton
FOCUSING INNOVATION ON
CUSTOMER NEEDS
Research and development, particularly in the field of
materials science, has represented Saint-Gobain's
development base since its creation, as well as the
essential condition for the success of its model. They
require a structured approach, but also the
dissemination of a mindset conducive to innovation
in all its teams. In 2022, over 450 patents were filed
by the Group, which has nearly 3,500 researchers,
eight research and development centers, thematic
R&D networks and close to 3,600 people in the
marketing sector worldwide.
The Group is working on disruptive innovation as
well as on the incremental improvement of its
products, processes and services. Saint-Gobain's
innovation roadmap focuses on four priorities:
processes and solutions for a transition to carbon
neutrality; solutions to reduce the use of natural
resources; materials and solutions to develop new
markets; and light construction systems, making it
possible to provide improved performance for
players in the building sector and greater comfort for
users.
However, innovation is inherently a non-linear
process, which requires a conducive environment to
develop. This involves, first of all, a precise
understanding of the existing and future needs of
customers, which is notably acquired through an
open approach to innovation, and in turn through
open and cross-functional methods. The Group has,
In Aniche, in 2022, Saint-Gobain
launched a pilot production campaign,
unique in the world: the manufacturing
of glass with 100% cullet and 100% green
energy, for zero carbon production
(scope 1 and 2).
Lightweight solutions such as U SeaProtect insulation
or Weber Fireshield Marine flooring contribute to
reducing ship weight, and therefore their fuel
consumption. SageGlass Harmony smart glazing
optimizes temperature control to make vessels more
energy efficient.
for a number of years, continuously developed
multiple types of collaboration, such as partnerships
with academic institutions or co-development
initiatives and financial investments in start-ups,
through Nova, a structure created in 2006.
The primary objective is to better understand the
specific expectations of customers in each of the
Group's markets, in order to more quickly identify
use cases and situations where Saint-Gobain will
add value, reduce time to market and optimize
return on investment.
This concerns all types of customers, from architects
and engineers, through developers and craftspeople
in the construction sector, to building contractors
and, of course, building owners and occupants.
This approach applies to all of the Group's markets
and activities; it not only concerns industrial
processes and product design, but also related
services, digital tools and business models.
To nurture and promote this dynamic, Saint-Gobain
included innovation in the five "Attitudes" that
constitute the pillars of its managerial culture.
The Group is adapting to promote creativity,
empathy vis-à-vis its customers, agile project
management methods, but also to provide a space
for divergent thinking, encourage challenges to the
status quo, and recognize the right to failure. In this
sense, the evolution of Saint-Gobain's management
culture is an essential lever for the development
of innovation at the global level.
2022/2023 INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT ⚫ SAINT-GOBAIN ⚫ 31View entire presentation