Spends approximately 6% of sales on research and development, far more than a typical manufacturing company

 

• Consistent R&D investment is the cornerstone of the company. This has resulted not only in new products but also the creation of new industries

 

 

Employed the ‘Thirty Percent Rule’ where 30% of sales would come from products that had not existed four years earlier

 

• Tracked rigorously, and employee bonuses are based on successful achievement of this goal

• To encourage breakthrough inventions

 

 

"It's one of the things that sets 3M apart as an innovative company, by sticking to that culture of giving every one of our employees the ability to follow their instincts to take advantage of opportunities for the company"