We asked Prof. Dr. Heuken, Vice President Corporate Research & Development at AIXTRON SE, a few questions to learn more about how they approach innovation as well as what the importance of the Turkish market is to the company. To learn more about AIXTRON and how they have found success, click here to read our exclusive Best Practice interview with AIXTRON COO Dr. Bernd Schulte. 

GSC: AIXTRON is closely connected with science. Working closely with renowned scientists is extremely meaningful for research and development within the company. The company’s reserach, dvelopment and demonstration laboratories in Germany, China, the U.S. and the U.K. are also an important part of AIXTRON.

What are the important factors in the company with regards to encouraging inovation?

Prof. Dr. Michael Heuken: Our presence in the world's most important and most innovative technology markets as well as our close connections with leading research institutions are certainly only two aspects that encourage innovation at AIXTRON. One key point is that we always place a great emphasis on making significant investments in the areas of research and development. So every year substantial amounts of money are set aside for the further improvement of our facilities as well as the development of new technologies. In addition, we create working conditions that not only promote an internal exchange among the company’s worldwide professionals, but that also ensures an innovation-friendly working atmosphere within the group.

GSC: Could you also imaging undertaking joint R&D projects with Turkish businesses or making an entrance into the Turkish market?

Prof. Dr. Michael Heuken: Turkey is an extremely dynamic emerging country whose economy has shined in recent years with impressive growth rates. The country is now one of the world’s 20 largest economies and it is investing heavily in the construction of a high-tech industry. In the coming years, this sector will contribute to a double-digit percentage of the total Turkish exports. We are already working with various Turkish universities  to which we have supplied equipment for the study of semiconductor materials; we have worked together for some time. But Turkish companies who intend to begin semiconductor production are increasingly to our customers. The Turkish market is therefore always more and more interesting for AIXTRON.