Tata Steel among most innovative companies in the Netherlands
Tata Steel Nederland proudly holds 18th place in the prestigious R&D Top 30. The R&D Top 30 is an independent list of innovative companies driving technological progress in the Netherlands—from faster computer chips for your smartphone to stronger steel for cleaner and safer cars. How does a steel company make it onto this list? We asked our R&D Program Director, Hans van der Weijde.
He starts off enthusiastically: “Steel is often seen as an old industry, but in reality, it is very high-tech and is a form of nanotechnology—just on a larger scale.”
That sounds impressive, but why is innovation so important?
“The safety of your car, the freedom of your smartphone, and the comfort of your home—all of it has been innovated. These things, and society as a whole, have been developed with and through steel. You see steel everywhere around you. In large-scale applications like machinery and buildings, and in small things like cans, paperclips, and batteries. Ultimately, we want to keep improving these end products. To do that, we need to make our steel better. And better means, for example, stronger, thinner, or more malleable. That requires innovation.
We’re also innovating in our processes, for example, to reduce energy consumption. Our site in IJmuiden already ranks among the top three most efficient steel production locations in the world—even without green steel. Achieving that has required a great deal of innovation as well.”
What is R&D working on now?
“We’re working on the future. The future of steel production and the products of tomorrow. Right now, one team is focused on processes for clean, green, and circular steel. We already know a lot about the technology, and we’re learning new things every day.
At the same time, we’re working on better steel for better end products. A can may seem simple, but there’s a lot behind it. We continue to innovate, making our steel thinner and therefore lighter, while coatings like Protact® better protect the contents. Speaking of cans, we collaborated with Grupo Calvo to develop a new concept for a fish can that is more efficient to produce, doesn’t let fish stick to the inside, and doesn’t require a can opener. It’s more sustainable, reduces food waste, and is more convenient for consumers.”
What’s our secret? Why is the entire steel industry looking at us?
“While we may not be the largest player or have the biggest research budget, we are truly innovative. We excel at something others can’t match: collaboration. We’re used to thinking as one value chain, and production and R&D work closely together. In the Netherlands, we’re particularly accustomed to collaborating across departments and disciplines, more so than in other countries. This enables us to combine knowledge effectively.”
About the R&D Top 30
The R&D Top 30 serves as a barometer for the state of research and development in Dutch businesses. The list recognizes companies for their dedication to innovation, investment in research, and contributions to technological advancement. The R&D Top 30 is an initiative by the engineering trade journal TW, in collaboration with TNO and VNO-NCW.