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Topics on this page:
Research organization
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Know-how Verbund
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Central research Ludwigshafen
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Decentralized research and development
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Research investments 2007
Research organization
Successful research combines market stimuli with scientific discoveries to create innovative products. The organization of research at BASF forms an integrated whole (Verbund in German) which is completely focused on this task.
BASF employs more than 8,600 employees in research and development worldwide.
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The central, corporate research laboratories at Ludwigshafen are the competency centers for active ingredients, materials of construction, special effect substances, chemicals, and process development. Decentralized development units in operating divisions and group companies are near to customer needs.
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Central research Ludwigshafen
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Decentralized research and development
- Plastics development (G, U.S., J)
- Coatings (G, U.S.)
- Plant biotechnology, crop protection (G, U.S.)
As well as technical services (worldwide) and agricultural research stations (worldwide)
More than 1,800 cooperations worldwide provide impulses for our research activities. Of these, about two-thirds are with centers of excellence such as universities and research institutes, and one-third with startup companies or other industrial partners throughout the world. Thus the company gets access to new knowledge and new technologies. These elements can be rapidly and efficiently joined up within the Verbund to create innovations that the market wants.
Examples of research within the Know-how-Verbund of BASF:
BASF Schwarzheide GmbH
Sungene
Metanomics
Svalöf Weibull
Our research and development activities are closely focused on market needs. Our goal is to build on impulses for innovation from all regions.
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Research investments 2007
Research and development expenses in 2007 by segment*
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Million EUR, %
| 1 |
Chemicals |
201 |
15% |
| 2 |
Plastics |
145 |
11% |
| 3 |
Performance Products |
304 |
22% |
| 4 |
Agricultural Products & Nutrition |
394 |
28% |
| 5 |
Oil and Gas |
9 |
1% |
| 6 |
Corporate research, other |
323 |
23% |
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1.380 |
100.0% |
* Starting in 2005, expenses in the Oil & Gas segment related to exploration for oil and gas deposits and to dry holes are recorded as other operating expenses rather than as research and development expenses.
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In 2007, we spent EUR 1,380 million on research and development compared with EUR 1,277 million in 2006. Of the amount spent in 2007, 80% fell under the operational responsibility of the operating divisions, with the remaining 20% being accounted for primarily by corporate research. In particular, this includes research activities in BASF's growth clusters as well as research to develop new technologies and methods.
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