R2B Strategy
Empowerment of Idea Craftsperson
Each and every Kaneka “idea craftsperson” in R2B is responsible for the process of creations.
Researchers actively generating ideas and the mindset for making them tangible are robustly supported by our R2B strategy, which promotes innovation.
Accelerating Ideas via DX
To carry out more advanced, higher speed research and development to realize the R2B strategy, we are engaged in digital transformation both by incorporating cutting-edge technologies and utilizing digital infrastructure.
Strengthen R2B DX Leaders
In order to solve important company issues with DX, we are setting R2B DX themes and strengthening leader human resources.
Technology is being developed to shorten R2B times, including estimates of required levels from the tens of thousands of resin formulations, and development of gene screening technology using AI.
In addition, technology for automating and saving labor for manufacturing processes for Green Planet™ and solar power modules is contributing to research and business.
| DX Leaders | Fiscal 2023 | Fiscal 2024 | Fiscal 2026 (target) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material ＆ Bio Informatics Field | 3 people | 4 people | 8 people |
| Process Informatics Field | 5 people | 12 people | 14 people |
Improving the DX Skills of Researchers
Through an external educational program, we provide the opportunity for researchers to improve their skills. Good examples are emerging, including automation of image processing work and increased efficiency of genetic analysis, and through internal meetings, information is shared to spread it throughout the organization.
R2B Work Transformation
We introduced an electronic lab notebook system to digitize research records and make analysis work more advanced and efficient using the accumulated data.
In the field of resin development where the Company has accumulated a rich storehouse of knowledge in particular, data accumulation on the electronic lab notebook made progress and its searchability was improved. Going forward, we will focus on data utilization, drawing on past knowledge to create experiment plans and analyze experiment results, as we contribute to accelerating the R2B process.
R2B Intellectual Property Strategy
Intellectual property is important results generated by R2B idea craftsperson. We have built training and support systems for creating intellectual property and utilizing it in business.
Training System for Personnel Involved in Intellectual Property
From new employees to the leader class, we create content based on the level and conduct training on intellectual property. This consists of training for sales personnel on trademarks and copyrights and also programs for utilizing market information. We continue to expand the scope of this training.
Development of Idea Craftsperson: Invention Discovery Program
An idea craftsperson from the standpoint of creating intellectual property can be thought of as being a lead inventor that centrally contributes to basic invention ideas and conceptual ideas, solving technical problems, and verifying the feasibility of the invention.
From this standpoint, in addition to the existing training program provided by the Intellectual Property Department, we started a new program in fiscal 2020 to identify inventions in a discussion format. Since the start, the number of lead inventors has been increasing. Through the program, researchers are connected to one another, and by sharing diverse viewpoints, opportunities are created to form new ideas.
Creations of Idea Craftsperson Go Beyond Fields
At Kaneka, innovation tends to be generated through hybrid R2B in which researchers go beyond their own fields.
For this reason, researchers engage in R2B across fields by collaborating with one another and introducing technologies from outside the Company while drawing on their own background of strengths. This is the ideal Kaneka researcher. We execute a policy of promoting research with a wide field of view not limited to inside the Company but one that goes outside as well.
Example: Expanded scope of technologies and researchers involved in Green Planet™
Kaneka biodegradable polymer Green Planet™ involved researchers with differing backgrounds, in breeding and cultivation, material design, and mold processing, which broadened the technology.
Researchers specialized in molding processes expanded their range to R2B on resin formulation and resin cultivation, and researchers specialized in breeding, cultivation and production technologies expanded their range to R2B in mold processing, which contributed to broadening applications to foam, films, and fibers.
Filed Technologies and Applicant Map (covers applications from 2019 to 2023)
