3M is a globally operating US-based technology company headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The company produces more than 55,000 different products based on 49 technology platforms and over 133,000 patents. 3M views innovation as a driver of business activities, with responsibility for current and future generations at the forefront of its product development. By the same token, customers are supported in achieving their own sustainability goals. As part of the CHEManager series on digitalization strategies of leading chemical and pharmaceutical companies, Stefan Guertzgen spoke with John Banovetz, Chief Technology Officer at 3M, about the role of digital transformation in achieving the company's objectives.

CHEManager: How important is digitalization for the future strategy and competitiveness of your company?

John Banovetz: Digitalization is an important aspect of 3M's future strategy and competitiveness – particularly AI. AI helps our employees focus on meaningful work and has the potential to impact almost everything we do. We will evolve how we do R&D by using tools like generative AI and digital twins to improve modeling and material performance predictions.

3M serves a quite comprehensive product and solution portfolio. In which areas do you see the biggest potentials?

J. Banovetz: Across 3M, we see significant potential in manufacturing processes, product development, marketing, and customer service. I’m biased, but I think R&D has the highest potential, not only in how we do R&D but also accelerating the scaling up from small to full scale production and reducing the time from lab to factory. Our R&D teams also are working to deploy AI, machine learning, and pattern recognition to drive quality and reduce cost. In product development, we use modeling and simulations for new materials and predictive results in product use and applications.

KI seems to be a critical driver of your innovations. Are there any other technologies which are of particular relevance – like blockchain, VR/AR, IIoT, or quantum computing?

J. Banovetz: AI is particularly relevant to 3M, but all these technologies are important. We have harnessed AI and modeling for years and now we are developing more and better tools to drive innovation and enhance outcomes. Our AI capabilities include machine learning, computer vision, and Visual Attention Software. We also have generative AI chat assistance for tasks like summarizing, document review, and brainstorming to help our teams focus on the creative tasks of innovation.  We are also developing product solutions that can make AR/VR headsets thinner, more comfortable, and high performing. We also use VR/AR for safety training, allowing workers to practice hands-on skills in a safe environment.

Where does your company stand in terms of implementing the digital strategy?

J. Banovetz: Like most companies, we are early in our journey and there is always more to do around digital solutions – but we are making progress and moving quickly.  Our scientists have developed PIMLAD, which stands for Physics-Informed Machine Learning & Accelerated Design, an AI algorithm combining physics modeling and machine learning. This demonstrates the potential of generative AI and can often prescribe non-intuitive ideas for new product design. By leveraging PIMLAD and other AI advancements, 3M scientists can save weeks of work in seconds, accelerating new product development and innovating differentiated solutions. In conjunction with our customers, we are launching a material data card hub, allowing customers to digitally evaluate and understand 3M materials in their systems, accelerating their product cycle.

What do you consider as most critical factors in order to ensure the overall success of your digitalization strategy?

J. Banovetz: A strong business case is essential, ensuring AI is used effectively and provides a return on investment for all use cases. Key areas of focus include worker productivity and accelerating solutions to problems. Enhancing awareness, understanding, and access to AI for all employees is crucial so that the tools can be effectively deployed and leveraged in their work. This makes training essential, helping employees understand the advantages and limitations of the digital tools and how to effectively and efficiently use AI and digital tools. Ensuring everyone, can interact with AI – safely and appropriately – is vital.

Where do you see your company in three to five years from now?

J. Banovetz: 3M will continue to be the premier material science company in the world. We will be at the forefront of innovation with our customers, being one of the most innovative industrial companies globally. We will focus on helping our customers solve urgent and complex challenges in high-growth priority markets like automotive electrification, worker safety, climate tech, consumer electronics, home improvement, industrial automation, semiconductors, and data centers. In 3-5 years, we will have evolved how we do R&D, how we develop products, and solve customer problems, leveraging AI to drive innovation and enhance productivity.

Personal Profile

John Banovetz is executive vice president, chief technology officer and environmental responsibility for 3M, where he leads 3M’s research and development efforts, emerging growth venture investments, and environmental responsibility efforts. He first joined 3M in 1995 as a research chemist in the Corporate R&D organization and returned in 2007 rejoined 3M after four years at McKinsey & Company to oversee corporate strategic initiatives. Following that role, he served as global business director for 3M’s Industrial Adhesives and Tapes division, led 3M’s Corporate Research Lab, and became managing director of 3M’s D-A-CH region. He was appointed 3M’s chief technology officer and senior vice president of research and development in 2017, with environmental responsibility added to his role a few years later. Banovetz has a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from Stanford University, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hamline University.