Welcome to our "Expert Interviews"-Series.
It's your go-to place for exclusive insights on innovation regarding the current economical trends.
Today, Sébastien Charles (LinkedIn) is our special guest who was so kind and took the time out of his busy schedule to share his point of view answering the main question:
"How would you evaluate the importance of innovation for German and global economy?"
We strongly recommend to grab your coffee and get comfortable, because like our TEC partners - we will be unfiltered here as well! (for more insights directly from the startup world, open your Spotify and listen).
Let's go!
Arise: For introduction, can you please tell us a little bit about yourself, your current role and how your previous experiences influence your answers to the following questions?
SC:
I am an ex-Corporate Innovation Manager/Venture Builder/Intrapreneur that worked for such global players as AMCOR and Renolit, turned B2B startup´s co-founder.
I always saw my pro career as building blocks that would page the way to my move to the entrepreneur world. My former position and responsibility helped me to build, grow and sell my startup (PosterLab, Make R&D partnerships succeed) and my new one UNLOKINNO (peer to peer academic research sponsorship).
Arise: In your opinion, what role does research and development (R&D) play in shaping the German economy today?
SC:
“Science will save the world” and “stronger together” “knowledge transferred fast” is for people who know things I keep on repeating.
Back to your Question, without R&D, you cannot bring an idea “from lab to market” meaning any company will die without R&D.
Take the case of BioNTech, a German biotechnology company that swiftly developed a COVID-19 vaccine using advanced R&D. This breakthrough not only saved lives but also showcased how R&D can be a driving force in the country's economic recovery.
Arise: In your opinion, how does Germany's approach to R&D and innovation compare with other leading economies globally?
SC:
Germany is now showcased all over the international press as the “bad performer” of EU. Look at the news. Excuse my French here, but Germany needs a kick in the butt! I see way too much fear in believing in the power of innovation. Believe me, I worked and co-founded a startup directly related to Innovation.“appetite for risk” is way too less taught in uni and schools and not enough celebrated in the corporate world where caution is king.
Arise: Can you elaborate on how R&D activities contribute to economic growth and stability in Germany?
SC:
Remember the key components of GDP, innovation & productivity.
(btw., for all non-business people, GDP stand for "gross domestic product")
Arise: How does the significance of R&D differ between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations in Germany?
SC:
Difficult question.
I think it´s not a matter of size. It´s more of a bell curve distribution. Some CEO´s in SME´s or large conglomerates are seeing their organization as continuously adapting organisms, with all eyes on strengthening innovation culture daily. Still, I interviewed about 400 VP/Dir of R&D in Germany. I would say that only about 10 % of them have a True “appetite for risk”.
Arise: What impact do you think government policies and funding programs have on fostering innovation in the German economy?
SC:
Done right, it´s:
· Educating the masses on entrepreneurship
· Supporting “lab to market”
· Co-Funding/co-Financing spin-off capital
· Attracting “brains”
· Supporting and encouraging creation of network and community to transfer knowledge fast and systematically.
Arise: What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing R&D in Germany today, especially in the context of the global economy?
SC:
Not enough “appetite for risk” across the board. I see it as a true structural issue. At German national level, a lot of uncoordinated initiatives to support innovation & knowledge transfer here and there.
Arise: How do you foresee the landscape of R&D and innovation evolving in Germany over the next decade?
SC:
I really do not know. I am really concerned about it.
Arise: How important is the collaboration between industry, universities, and research institutions in advancing R&D in Germany?
SC:
Key yet complicated to initiate, structure and make systematic.
Arise: Finally, how do you view the role of international collaboration in R&D for addressing global challenges and advancing the global economy?
SC:
It became obvious for everyone that everything is tightly intertwined. Ecosystem thinking is not an only a #, it´s a true proven way to accelerate “lab to market” innovation in better and cheaper way.
Thank you very much, Sébastien, for giving us your attention, time and honest point of view.
It was a great pleasure to have you here with us and we can't wait to see where your journey will lead you.
All best wishes from the Arise Innovations Team!
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