Science: Joining Forces to Find Solutions
Tackling Global Challenges
The climate crisis, growing inequality, and the digital revolution signify profound changes for business and society. Scientific progress is vital to overcome these challenges and create a sustainable world. Innovations contribute not only to solving problems but also to the prosperity and well-being of individuals and society.
Expanding Cooperations
Generating innovation and driving progress require close collaboration between science and business. The interplay between application-oriented basic research in universities and research and development in companies is crucial. This collaboration accelerates the implementation of new insights and developments, bringing new ideas to market quickly and making them available to people.
“Close cooperation with the industry is essential for strong, practical science and its perception by the public. If joint successes and innovations are given greater prominence, this will hopefully help to shake off any lethargy, make factual knowledge and education more attractive, and give fresh impetus to progress. And in this way, we can also effectively counter the increasing skepticism about science.”
Encouraging Innovation and Breakthroughs
Currently, scientific progress is occurring more slowly. Science has increasingly followed familiar paths and optimized existing knowledge, making disruptive breakthroughs rare. In the future, we will need more freedom to pursue unconventional ideas and afford the necessary detours and sometimes even wrong turns.
More Acceptance for Science
Greater openness to technology and less risk aversion throughout society are necessary. Anchoring science more firmly in society and increasing its acceptance is crucial. Globally, there is a high (18 percent) to medium (54 percent) level of trust in research. However, skepticism towards science is rising.
Combating Misinformation
Scientific consensus on topics such as climate change or the theory of evolution is often rejected. The rise of "fake news" and conspiracy theories increasingly discredits fact-based, science-oriented thinking and actions. Businesses can and must contribute to preserving society’s trust in science and helping it gain more public resonance.
Fostering a Spirit of Innovation
As a research-based chemical company, Covestro aims to develop innovative products, technologies, and solutions to meet the multi-faceted challenges of our time. The company is involved in broad-based research collaborations worldwide, pursuing strategic partnerships with renowned universities, and promoting young academics.
Internally, Covestro relies on an innovative corporate culture and encourages the innovative spirit of all employees. The company’s culture is based on three central values: being curious, courageous, and colorful in the sense of diversity and openness.