After the first part of Innovation Management with Dr. Frank Maile, Director BU Coatings & Plastics at Schlenk Metallic Pigments, had taken place at Rose Plastic near Lake Constance, Dr. Maile visited Pforzheim University for the second part of the course. With him he brought Mr. Willfried Dutt, R&D Group Leader at Axalta Coating Systems, as a guest in class. 

Schlenk Metallic Pigments is located in Roth, close to Nuremberg, in southern Germany and the leading international manufacturer of metal powders, pigments and foils. It was founded in 1879 and employs over 950 employees worldwide. As a global player, Schlenk focuses on the business areas of metal foils, coatings and plastics industries, printing and graphics industries, building material and chemical industries, and the materials industry.

Dr. Maile has specialized knowledge in organic and analytical chemistry, Research and Development, Product Development and Innovation Management. The course with MBA Pforzheim third semester students mixed theory and real life applications. Not only did the students listen to presentations, but also actively contribute to the success of the course.

After learning about business strategy, innovation management, the TRIZ methodology, Design Thinking and Branding, the students formed teams and presented on particular companies of their interest. However, all of these had to apply innovation as their main Unique Selling Proposition and had to be successful in their respective markets. 

Mr. Willfried Dutt of Axalta Coating Systems – one of the largest coating companies in the world, that develops and manufactures coatings for light and commercial vehicles, industrial, and refinish applications and is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA – shared his experiences and applications of Innovation Management at his company. He showed the students how color innovation made a huge difference and increased the profitability of the automobile industry. He also talked about the psychology of colors and how they were used around the world depending on the country and culture.

To close the course, students had the opportunity to engage in discussion with Dr. Maile and the guest in classroom. Discussed topics were megatrends in innovation, recommended literature and job opportunities in a company. Thanks to Dr. Maile and Mr. Dutt for offering this lecture day to our MBA students at Pforzheim University!