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Innovation Management at Siemens AG

Dr. Claus Weyrich: February 24, 2004; Running Time: 1:02:25

About the Lecture

About the Lecture

It’s a good bet that at least once a day, each of us will use a product or service made possible by the corporate giant Siemens AG. Claus Weyrich explains how sophisticated planning around new technologies has made Siemens a global industry leader. Whether it’s fuel injection systems for cars or mobile phone circuitry, Siemens has determined to be a trendsetter in developing solutions to life in the 21st century. The key, says Weyrich, lies in developing “comprehensive visions, pictures of the future.” The company attempts to maintain technological leadership, aggressive patenting, synergy among work groups and a vast network of skilled R&D workers (which at last count numbered 50 thousand worldwide). Siemens listens to customers, says Weyrich. It developed computer tomography that can scan a beating heart and perform a “fly-through,” detecting arterial blockage with no invasive procedures. According to Weyrich, in the coming years look to Siemens for solutions to such critical problems as carbon dioxide emissions, population control and spiraling healthcare costs.

Lecture Details

Location: Wong Auditorium

“Talking about innovation at MIT is like preaching to the choir.”

Claus Weyrich

About the Speaker

Dr. Claus Weyrich

Head of Corporate Technology and member, Managing Board, Siemens, AG

Claus Weyrich began his career with Siemens AG in 1969 in the company’s Munich research labs. He became head of the luminescence components laboratory in the Semiconductor Department in 1973 and headed various Siemens AG research laboratories and units from 1973 until 1994. In 1994, Professor Weyrich became the Head of Research and Development Technology. Two years later, he was named Head of Corporate Technology and became a member of the Siemens AG Managing Board.

Claus Weyrich received his Dr. Phil. from the University of Innsbruck in physics and mathematics. In addition, to his professional work, Professor Weyrich is an Honorary Professor at Munich University and a member of the German Supervisory Board for Heraeus Holding GmbH.