3M – Culture of Innovation
Isaías Grilo Júnior
Industrial Engineering
Lorena
2024
3M: Culture of Innovation
3M, originally known as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, is
renowned for its culture of Innovation. This culture has been driving force behind
its consistent ability to develop new products and solutions across various
industries.
Key Elements of 3M's Culture of Innovation
1. Employee Empowerment:
3M encourages employees to spend 15% of their work time on projects
of their own choosing.
This <15°% rule= foster creativity and gives employees the freedom to
explore new ideas without immediate pressure.
2. Collaborative Environment:
The company promotes collaboration across different departments and
disciplines, fostering a cross-pollination of ideas.
This brings together diverse expertise to solve problems and create
new products.
3. Support for Risk-Taking
3M has a tolerance for failure. understanding that it is an essential part
of the innovation process.
This encourages employees to take risks without fear of punitive
consequences.
4. Focus on Customer Needs
Innovations at 3M often arise from a deep understanding of customer
problems.
This customer-centric approach ensures that new products aro both
practical and valuable.
5. Long-term Vision
3M invests significantly in long term research and development.
The company understand that significant innovations often take time to
develop.
Five Notable 3M’s Innovations
1. Scotch Tape (1930):
Background: Richard Drew invented Scotch Tape to address the need
for a reliable adhesive that wouldn't damage surfaces.
Cultural Factors: The freedom to experiment and the focus on practical
customer problems were crucial. Drew's ability to work on his idea
under the 15% rule led to this breakthrough.
30s Scotch tape.
Source: Smithsonian Institution (2014).
2. Post-it Notes (1970s-1980s):
Background: Spencer Silver and Art Fry developed Post-it Notes when
they discovered a unique low-tack adhesive and realized its potential
for removable notes.
Cultural Factors: The collaborative environment and tolerance for
failure were key. Silver's adhesive initially failed in its intended use, but
fry's insight into a new application led to the product's success.
An early version of a Post-it Note, 1986.
Source: Lavanger (2016).
3. Thinsulate Insulation (1979):
Background: 3M developed Thinsulate as a lightweight, thermal
insulating material used in clothing and bedding.
Cultural Factors: Cross-functional teams and a customer-centric
approach helped refine the material to meet specific needs in various
industries.
Ski Gloves with 3M Thinsulate.
Source: GexWorldwide (2024).
4. Optical Films for LCD Screens (1990s):
Background: 3M created optical films that enhance the brightness and
clarity of LCD screens, widely used in electronics.
Cultural Factors: Long-term investments in research and development
and collaboration across scientific disciplines were crucial for this high-
tech innovation.
Laptop equipped with 3M Display Enhancement Film.
Source: American Polarizers Inc. (2018).
5. N95 Respirators (1970s-1990s):
Background: The development of N95 respirators, which filter out
airborne particles, revolutionized protective equipment for healthcare
workers and others.
Cultural Factors: The emphasis on safety, quality, and responding to
societal needs drove the development of this critical product.
3M N95 Respirator.
Source: 3M (2024).
Lessons Learned
1. Empower Employees:
Allowing employees to pursue their own ideas the (e.g., 15% rule) can
lead them to break-through innovations.
2. Promote Collaboration:
Cross-functional teams and a collaborative environment foster
creativity and effective problem solving.
3. Embrace Failure:
A tolerance for failure encourages experimentation and learning, which
are essential for innovation.
4. Stay Customer-Centric:
Understanding and addressing customer needs ensure that
innovations are practical and valuable.
5. Invest for a Long Term:
Long-term investment in research and development is necessary for
significant technological advancements.
References
3M. (2024). 3MTM Health Care Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask 1860,
N95 120 EA/Case | 3M United States. [online] Available at:
https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/v000057463/ [Accessed 4 Sep. 2024].
3M Multimedia. (2024). A Century of Innovation: The 3M Story. [online]
Available at: https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/171240O/3m-century-of-
innovation-book.pdf [Accessed 2 Aug. 2024].
3M United Kingdom. (2024). 3M’s 15% Culture | Cultivate & Pursue Your
Innovative Ideas [online] Available at:
https://www.3m.co.uk/3M/en_GB/careers/culture/15-percent-culture/ [Accessed
2 Aug. 2024].
American Polarizers Inc. (2018). 3M Display Enhancement Optical Films |
American Polarizers. [online] Available at: https://www.apioptics.com/product-
category/products/optical-display-filters/3m-display-enhancement-films/
[Accessed 4 Sep. 2024].
BW People. (2024). How 15% Culture at 3M has fostered professional and
personal growth among employees? [online] Available at:
https://bwpeople.in/article/how-15-culture-at-3m-has-fostered-professional-and-
personal-growth-among-employees-379433 [Accessed 5 Aug. 2024]
GexWorldwide. (2024). JEKOSEN Black Ski Gloves Waterproof Touchscreen
Snowboard Cold Weather Keep Warm Snow Gloves. [online] Available at:
https://www.gexworldwide.com/collections/ski-gloves/products/jekosen-black-
ski-gloves [Accessed 4 Sep. 2024].
Hart, H. (2010). Sept. 8, 1930: Scotch Tape Starts Sticking. [online] WIRED.
Available at: https://www.wired.com/2010/09/0908scotch-tape-marketed-3m/
[Accessed 4 Sep. 2024].
Harvard Business Review. (2013). The Innovation Mindset in Action: 3M
Corporation. [online] Available at: https://hbr.org/2013/08/the-innovation-
mindset-in-acti-3 [Accessed 2 Aug. 2024].
Lavanger, J. (2016). Post-it Notes | MNopedia. [online] Mnopedia.org. Available
at: https://www.mnopedia.org/thing/post-it-notes [Accessed 4 Sep. 2024].
MacLachlan, J. (2022). This Is Die Key To Breakthrough Innovation, According
To 3M Scientist | Forbes. [online] 6 Apr Available at:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/janinemaclachlan/2022/04/05/this-is-the-key-to-
breakthrough-innovation-according-to-3m-scientist/ [Accessed 2 Aug. 2024].
Smithsonian Institution (2014). Scotch Cellulose Tape with Dispenser |
Smithsonian Institution. [online] Smithsonian Institution. Available at:
https://www.si.edu/es/object/nmah_1461589 [Accessed 4 Sep. 2024].
Checklist Met Not met
1. Found 5 Innovations of 3M x
2. Identifies the culture with its elements discussed x
3. Relates culture with its innovations x
4. Did bibliograph research x
5. Enumereted the lessons learned x
