Interview with KR Dr. Reinhard Schretter

CDG: Why is basic research so important for innovation?
Schretter: If our innovations were only based on current applications, we would not care about/understand the scientific background. The systematic comparison of methods, wide-ranging experiments, or just extensive patent and literature reviews – they all provide the foundations for successful application. However, you have to keep in mind that both sides are important.

CDG: What are the biggest challenges in collaborating with universities?
Schretter: The companies’ time to market pressure poses a large challenge in basic scientific work. And there are obviously different expectations with regard to funding:  the goals of company-driven research cannot be driven by funding possibilities only.

CDG: What do you like most about the CD Laboratory funding scheme?
Schretter: The need to work together for a longer period is very positive and gives rise to wide-ranging systematic work without too much time pressure. An open and constructive dialogue is also beneficial for other topics. In addition, the companies’ scientific work receives financial support, without the latter this scientific work may well not be possible.