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I think our key strengths are our ability to
identify new opportunities for technology-enabled
innovation, and the way we tackle new problems
quickly while focusing on end-user needs.
This all comes from our uniquely collaborative
nature. Internally, we are highly
multi-disciplinary. We dare to let people from one
area move across boundaries, to work on projects in
other areas. I haven’t seen that in other corporate
or academic labs.
For our people, that approach is very motivating. It
gives them the ideal opportunity to learn new skills
and spread their wings, making them far more
valuable and employable.
For Philips, it promotes cross-fertilization and
leads to surprising new ideas. Combining molecular
biologists with experts in sensors, microsystems and
electronics led to integrated biosensors for
handheld, point of care diagnostics. When
physicists, physiologists and dermatologists came
together, the result was laser-based photo-epilation
– a totally new concept. And blending the experience
research of our psychologists with display and
lighting expertise, we’ve helped reduce stress
levels for hospital patients.
Externally, working with others is in our DNA. We
were a pioneer of open innovation – as shown by our
co-development with Sony of optical disc systems
such as CD, DVD+RW and Blu-ray. Elsewhere, we’re
working with medical device companies on solutions
for image guided interventions and with the
administrations of megacities on advanced lighting
solutions. And we are increasingly looking to the
outside world for breakthrough ideas.
By working with potential strategic partners and
future suppliers of the Philips businesses, we can
provide a broader window on the world of health and
well-being. That view is vital to Philips’ future as
a leading health and well-being company.
Finally, we are a global organization with a growing
presence in emerging markets. Our labs in Shanghai
and Bangalore are ideally positioned to deliver
innovations that really address local market needs,
such as making healthcare widely available or
removing pesticides from food. That’s what I mean by
meaningful innovation.”
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