How the future of construction is built on innovation through R&D and collaboration

Didier Roux, Vice-President in charge of Research and Innovation for Saint-Gobain, speaking at the Saint-Gobain Innovation Centre in London during the week of Ecobuild 2014.

“As one of the world’s top 100 innovators, Saint-Gobain tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time through our R&D programme”.

In his presentation to a packed audience of architects, journalists and Saint-Gobain employees, Didier outlined how the R&D programme is supported by a network of partnering universities all over the world, which helps us to discover both the latest advances in scientific research, and the best talent.

• Saint-Gobain spend of €400m a year on R&D

• 1 in 5 of the products they manufacture didn’t exist five years ago

The Salford Energy House project is a great example – partnering with both Salford University and Leeds Met, Saint-Gobain has contributed to what is believed to be the most in-depth study into whole house retrofit.

Building on that, Didier talked about the importance of working together with SMEs, and how bringing their new technologies to the market can be a win-win. Didier said “Our NOVA external venturing programme acts as a catalyst for innovation, establishing long-term development partnerships with entrepreneurs and start-ups. This collaboration model with start-ups will help to bring innovation to market faster.”

“Supply chain and customer integration is key to the delivery of innovation and evolution. By working with educational institutions and new business start-ups, we are contributing to the latest thinking, and are helping to shape the next generation of innovation”.

Watch part of the Didier Roux presentation including a Q&A session with the audience at the Saint-Gobain Innovation Centre via the video above.

Follow the latest events at the Saint-Gobain Innovation Centre via Twitter @SaintGobainUK

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