Scientific company case study 15:00 (SOSI State of Science Index) reflects that 85% of the people surveyed believe that there is a connection between science and an improvement in the quality of life of citizens. In this sense, initiative 3M ahead It shows how scientists, engineers, and experts are applying materials science to address the challenges of major global trends, such as the safety of electric vehicle (EV) batteries or the production of green hydrogen in a cost-effective, efficient, and applicable way.
In the face of significant challenges posed by megatrends such as climate change, resource scarcity, demographic and social changes, and the convergence of the physical and digital worlds, 3M brings its global portfolio and extensive experience to deliver innovative solutions at scale. “3M Forward is an example of how the company can develop new solutions by collaborating with partners and research institutes to push the boundaries of technology,” said Camila Cruz-Durlacher, Vice President, Research and Development Operations, 3M EMEA.
With R&D centers in 55 countries and more than 7,000 R&D professionals and scientists, 3M has pursued more than 132,000 patents and 60,000 products across various industries. These innovations are widely applied and used and provide the basis for other industries to develop new technologies.
Materials science for global challenges
3M is committed to applying the latest developments in materials science, making use of all its capabilities to provide relevant solutions that help advance society.
The State of Science Index study reveals global trends in 17 countries: Spain, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Taiwan, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, China, India, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Thailand, and Australia. It shows how citizens view the future of innovation and how trends around issues such as trust in science, climate change, healthcare or digital transformation affect them.
In this sense, 89% of Europeans believe that science can contribute to reducing the effects of climate change. For example, 3M Nanostructured Supported Iridium Catalyst Powder is a solution to reduce the amount of iridium, a rare precious metal required to meet the stringent efficiency and shelf life requirements of a water electrolyte. In this way, a more profitable, efficient and dynamic production of green hydrogen can be achieved.
92% of European citizens also believe that electric public transport is safe. In this case, 3M proposes to use TB5000 3M heat dissipation material, which increases the safety of electric vehicle batteries. In the event of a cell failure, it protects neighboring cells from emitting energy by forming a fire-resistant barrier and electrical and thermal insulation that prevents diffusion.
On the other hand, 92% of Europeans expect negative consequences if a solution to the shortage of skilled workers is not found. Automated technologies such as the 3M Finesse-it Automated Paint Repair System automatically detect and repair the most common paint defects on automotive production lines, addressing skilled labor shortages and increasing production quality and efficiency.production.
