Sika Research Facilities: Bundling of Know-how and Expertise

The research and development of new products, systems, technologies, applications, and production processes form the basis of Sika’s innovations. Its research activities are carried out by more than 1,100 employees at 21 Global Technology Centers. 49 local and 21 regional research and development facilities are globally aligned to Sika Technology AG. 

Sika Technology targets the development of proprietary technology that provides key performance benefits and allows Sika’s product platforms to respond to global trends, such as resource-saving building methods, energy-efficient and low-emission construction materials, high-speed manufacturing methods, or lighter and safer vehicles. Key projects focus on high-performance molecules with unique features, smart refining techniques for polymers and surfaces, and tailored laboratory equipment allowing quick scale-up to full-size production. 

In collaboration with Technical Operations, Sika engineers and researchers also aspire to tighten the comprehensive product assortment, to invest in new component technologies and to simplify processes in production, marketing, and distribution. 
 

Know-how and Challenge-Driven Innovations

While customer and market-focused product development is essential for short and mid-term growth and margin protection, it is not enough for the long-term, sustainable protection of bottom line growth. To improve long-term market impact and influence, a set of investigations of future challenges and customer requirements has been initiated. The objective is to use Sika’s broad knowledge for breakthrough innovations. Research in this context encompasses the identification of innovation potentials, independent of core technology and target markets. Within defined “Innovation Platforms”, such as new foams for insulation, new construction materials and high-performing water-based systems, feasibility studies were initiated.

21 Locations in 9 Countries

3 Global Technology Centers in France

 

Gournay

Cergy

St. Quentin Fallavier

3 Global Technology Centers in Switzerland

 

Zurich

Sarnen

Widen

5 Global Technology Centers in Germany

 

Stuttgart

Leimen

Vaihingen

Hamburg

Rosendahl

2 Global Technology Centers in France

 

Gournay

Cergy

1 Global Technology Center in Spain

 

Alcobendas (Madrid)

1 Global Technology Center in the UK
 

Preston

2 Global Technology Centers in the USA

 

Lyndhurst

Madison Heights

1 Global Technology Center in Brazil

 

Lencois

2 Global Technology Centers in Japan

 

Hiratsuka

Funabashi-shi

3 Global Technology Centers in China

 

Suzhou

Shanghai

Guangzhou

Interdisciplinary Innovation Team

The interdisciplinary Sika team

Innovation management at Sika permeates the entire organization. In order to create value for customers and other stakeholders, Sika established an interdisciplinary innovation team which creates ideas around how things could be. This practice was coined by the concept of speculative design as a way to speculate and imagine about how reality, current and future solutions, have to be in order to drive value for your customers.