Rethink, act creatively: The Klingele innovation system
Limited resources, adapting to rapidly changing technologies and new market requirements pose major challenges for the German economy and thus also for medium-sized companies.
A glance at the 2023 Innovation Indicator shows that Germany ranks tenth in terms of its ability to produce innovation in an international comparison of 34 industrialised and emerging countries. The Klingele Paper & Packaging Group shows how innovation can also be established, lived and driven forward in traditional family businesses. The packaging specialist from Remshalden has created its very own innovation system that not only enables the development of new paper and packaging solutions in its core business. It also promotes services, processes and new business models. Through the ‘four Bs’ – accompany, enable, research and involve – the medium-sized company aims to meet current and future customer requirements, act sustainably, remain competitive and thus secure jobs.
In a globalised world, the potential innovative capacity of the SME sector is an opportunity for Germany's economic success that should not be underestimated. The diversity and size of medium-sized companies often enable impressive flexibility that is more difficult to implement in large corporations.
"The preservation of long-standing corporate values and the demand for quality and technical expertise form the solid foundation on which our innovations are built. Appreciating our own history not only strengthens our corporate culture, but also anchors ethical principles. Both enable us to offer products and services at the highest level and internationally, as well as to meet the challenges of the 21st century."
Dr Jan Klingele
Adaptability and cooperation as the key to success
In times of change, rigid structures and a fixation on established business models, as is often the case with large companies, can hinder or delay necessary changes. Especially if they find it difficult to integrate innovative technologies into existing structures. This is why German SMEs must retain their ability to adapt. "Klingele has always been characterised by the ability to react flexibly to change, to continuously learn and improve, i.e. to be innovative: In addition to our own technology developments, our approach is to cooperate with faster and more agile start-ups, gain insights, drive forward research projects and create new business models together," explains Dr Jan Klingele. Klingele's networked approach is an example of how cooperation and networks can promote the exchange of expertise and the development of innovative projects, leverage synergies and ultimately strengthen the innovative power of the entire SME sector.
Innovative rethinking: Klingele's value creation redefined
While Klingele originally focussed on product innovations, other types of innovation are now also being driven forward more strongly. In the medium-sized company's innovation system, the "four Bs" - support, enable, research and participate - are crucial.
Innovative rethinking: Klingelle's value creation redefined
While the focus at Klingele was originally on product innovations, other types of innovation are now also being driven forward to a greater extent. "It helps us to identify possible existing innovation potential before it is pursued through research and development and with the involvement of our customers or partners," explains Florian Härer, the responsible Innovation Manager at Klingele. In the medium-sized company's innovation system, the "four Bs" - support, enable, research and participate - are crucial. "As consultants and coaches, we actively support both internally and externally in future projects with our specialist and methodological knowledge (support), offer competence improvement through targeted training in the innovation context (enable), drive science and technology-orientated innovation development (research) and are involved in the search for and evaluation of start-ups to secure the future (participate)," says Härer, describing the idea. The new employee culture is a particularly important part of this: "We sensitise our employees with training courses and improve their innovation skills. In this way, we ensure continuous improvement of the project and process landscape. With us, every employee is also a source of ideas," says Härer.
Close to the customer and their needs
Klingele has identified several approaches for itself in this innovation system, including design thinking and a co-creation arena: a creative space geared towards customer needs in which Klingele combines speed, technology and teamwork to develop customised solutions together with the customer. The starting point is always people and their needs. This approach has many advantages for the customer. Härer explains: "Their active involvement creates the basis for our customised solutions. Together, we develop innovative solutions, which results in a faster market launch, a stronger customer relationship and therefore greater satisfaction. Our innovation development is always holistically customer-orientated - in other words, we always focus on products, processes, business models and services. In this way, we offer our customers the opportunity to differentiate themselves in the market and create added value for themselves in the long term."
Sustainability as a common goal
Furthermore, Klingele's growing awareness of sustainability goes hand in hand with innovation and tradition. "We don't just see ourselves as a driver of short-term innovations, but are increasingly focusing on sustainable developments," emphasises Dr Jan Klingele. The long-established company integrates environmentally friendly practices and social responsibility into its business model. This focus not only ensures future viability, but also contributes to the creation of a sustainable economy.
Interview offer from Dr Jan Klingele and Florian Härer
We would be pleased to arrange an interview with Florian Härer on Klingele's innovation system. An interview with Dr Jan Klingele on Klingele as a driver of innovation in German SMEs is also available on special request. Please get in touch with our press contact (Markus Schaupp).
Contact for further information:
Press Office Klingele
c/o follow red GmbH
Markus Schaupp
Waldburgstraße 17/19
70563 Stuttgart
Tel.: +49 (0)711 90140-549
E-Mail: klingele @ followred.com
1 Source:Innovation Indicator 2023, publisher: Federation of German Industries (BDI), Roland Berger.
Innovation
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