Within the context of the mandatory third-semester course, Innovation Management II, Dr. Frank J. Maile, who has been teaching the course in the MBA for over 10 years, again welcomed Mr. Mark Gutjahr, the Global Head of Design at BASF Coatings GmbH, as a guest speaker.
This occasion served as an insightful exploration into the intricacies of managing innovation within the organization, drawing upon Mr. Gutjahr's extensive background of over two decades in color design.
Mr. Gutjahr, a seasoned professional with a comprehensive understanding of real-world work methodologies, expounded upon the practical aspects of innovation management, offering invaluable insights that complemented the theoretical framework imparted to our MBA students. Guided by fundamental principles, BASF's Coatings Division design team assumes a pivotal role in providing essential color consultancy to its automotive clients. Their proficiency in innovation management is manifested through a global design approach, fostering close collaboration with customers, and positioning design as an integral hub within the organizational framework.
It is noteworthy that Mr. Gutjahr's academic foundation in design was laid at the Cologne University of Applied Sciences between 1996 and 2001. Over the past two decades, he has ascended the professional ladder at BASF, progressing from Project Manager to Head of Design (Germany) and currently holding the position of Global Head of Design  .
The organizational strength of BASF in innovation management emanates from the collaborative efforts of a diverse, cross-functional global design team. Interacting with various business units on a daily basis, the team consistently delivers enhanced value to its customers. Mr. Gutjahr and his team conduct independent color trend research, employing proprietary techniques to swiftly assess trends in the automotive industry, showcasing their agility in responding to industry shifts.
Notable among contemporary trends is the digitization of color, an area where they have discerned both opportunities, such as improved cost-effectiveness and overall stakeholder experience, but also challenges, particularly in the complex translation from physical to digital realms. The interactive session, punctuated by astute inquiries from our students, showcased Mr. Gutjahr's adept handling and open-minded responses. Impressively, he emerged not only as a contemplative advocate for innovation but as an individual daringly committed to its practical application.
The presentation left a profound impact on our students, who are very grateful to Mr. Gutjahr for the outstanding insights shared. A big Thank You to Dr. Maile for facilitating    this enriching opportunity, in addition to the commendable efforts invested in instructing such a dynamic and stimulating course.

text and photo: Sourabh Jagtap, Class of 2024