(114a) Sustaining Innovation / Innovating Sustainably

Optimism is at the heart of both innovation and sustainability. Research creates discoveries that lead to inventions, creating innovations that make the world better. R&D starts with the optimistic view that you can create something better. It is an investment in the future, where resources remain for future generations. At Dow, we’ve earned the ability to continue innovating based on our past performance. R&D isn’t left to chance, we take steps to stack the deck by:

• Rigorously manage our R&D portfolio based on quantifiable metrics
• Focus on R&D productivity and timely delivery of technology
• Collaborating to extend access to new inventions and to create customer intimacy
• Application of technical excellence in both product and process design

Portfolio management, built on a well-established foundation, guides our efforts and incorporates sustainability and other metrics to influence decisions. We use the life-cycle impact of our products to guide our efforts. Far too often, hype has surpassed reality, boundary conditions have been neglected, and actions taken that do not truly lead to a sustainable future. Looking across the life-cycle compels decisions to reduce raw material use, energy use and to limit toxics use. Innovation will create a sustainable future.