3M ESPE Media Event Focuses On Merging Materials, Science and Digital Technology

"Innovation and discovery is our way of life. It's in our DNA," Mark Farmer, 3M ESPE's global marketing and business director, told representatives from laboratory and dental publications during a recent media event at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, MN.

Throughout a series of workshops and a tour of 3M's World of Innovation—a showcase of more than 40 core technology platforms used to develop 3M's 60,000 products—it quickly became clear that the entire culture at 3M revolves around the pursuit of innovation.

For example, to inspire creativity, employees are encouraged to work across their own platforms to make discoveries. Forums are held during which those who perform the same job function—technology, sales, marketing, etc.— in different divisions of the company come together to discuss ideas and strategies. An annual company-wide "Science Fair" lets R&D staff members share their latest visions with the company...