With around 2,200 R&D staff worldwide, DSM benefits from an extensive
knowledge and skills base comprising a wide range of technological
competences. Our total R&D expenditure in 2008 amounted to EUR 394m,
representing over 4% of net sales.
Business-oriented
R&D at DSM is strongly business-oriented,
driven by the needs of our business groups' customers and our corporate
strategy. In addition, we continuously scan the horizon for innovative ideas
outside the company in which we can invest, enabling us to access and make the
best possible use of new technological developments and resources. We also
collaborate with a wide variety of outside parties on fundamental research.
Our global competence-based approach to R&D means that everybody within DSM,
no matter where they are located across the world, can share in and contribute
to our knowledge and technology base.