Saint-Gobain Innovative Solutions for Comfort and Protection of the Environment

In 2015 Saint-Gobain Group celebrates its 350-year anniversary. Due to their wide experience and through innovative research Saint-Gobain became a global leader in the research and production of high-quality materials and solutions for the construction industry. The company not only manufactures products of the highest quality, but also makes sure that structures built using Saint- Gobain materials are environment-friendly, provide comfortable living and feature high energy efficiency. We asked Didier Roux, Vice President – Research, Development & Innovation at Saint- Gobain, member of the French Academy of Sciences, to tell us how the company achieves intended goals.

Mister Roux, you have had a meeting with the Minister of Construction and Housing Mikhail Men recently. Could you tell us what decisions and arrangements you have come to?

The Minister visited our innovative training center “Saint- Gobain Academy” in the middle of July and gave it a high rating. We agreed upon cooperation within the Technopolis development project on the basis of Moscow State University of Civil Engineering and certainly upon joint effort aimed at the development of new construction materials. Saint-Gobain pays great attention to innovations and our central area of focus is the development of new products adapted to local market realities.

Every country has its own construction market and differences may be quite substantial. This owes to different construction models, preferences to one or another material as well as the system of industry strategy. That’s why Saint-Gobain establishes its own research centers in each country while cooperating with state research institutes and fieldspecific universities.

What is the progress of your cooperation with Russian universities?

Among our key partners I would like to mention Moscow State University (MSU) we have been cooperating with for several years already, and Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (MSUCE), another undoubtedly important partner. Though, our range of contacts in innovation matters is not limited only to these two universities. Along with participation in joint research programs and innovative projects, we cooperate with Russian university communities and this gives us a chance to employ highly-qualified personnel.

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Interview by Svetlana Sokolova