- Special ownership structure proves its worth
- Consistently high levels of investment in research and development
- Innovations that bring real benefit and increase quality of life
The award was presented in the Hall of Fame at the Deutsches Museum in Munich, Germany’s premier technology museum, by the chairman of the institute, Dr. Heiner Pollert, and the chairman of the Diesel Medal board of trustees, Prof. Alexander Wurzer. Christof Bosch was joined by four of Bosch’s 2013 “Inventors of the Year” in accepting the award on behalf of the over 42,000 researchers within the Bosch Group.
There is a long tradition of innovation at Bosch. The company lodged its first patent in 1897, and by 1909 there was already a department dedicated to patents, brands, and licenses. It is a history that has made itself felt in the public consciousness: “Bosch is a stalwart of the German industrial scene. For the German automotive industry, Bosch has been – and remains – a crucial technological partner that is at the very forefront of ground-breaking developments. The award of the Diesel Medal for outstanding contribution to innovation recognizes the top spot Bosch has occupied for so many years. And given my responsibility for development as a member of the management board at BMW AG, it is something that gives me particular pleasure,” said Dr. Herbert Diess in his tribute to Christof Bosch.
Bosch corporate constitution proves its worth
“Robert Bosch GmbH’s special ownership structure guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant upfront investments to safeguard its future,” said Christof Bosch at the Diesel Medal award ceremony. “I am delighted that our researchers’ innovation has been brought to the attention of a wider audience and rewarded with this Diesel Medal.”
“In a series of guidelines, as he called them, Robert Bosch set down his tenets for successfully managing a company,” Christof Bosch continued. “Here he says that a company should in fact serve the community – that what benefits business and what benefits society are two sides of the same coin.” Today, these principles live on in the twin institutions of Robert Bosch GmbH and Robert Bosch Stiftung. The company is now continuing along the path of dynamic development that Robert Bosch set out for it, while Robert Bosch Stiftung fulfills his vision of social engagement for the common good. Including a foundation in the company structure is almost unique in Germany, and serves as a model for how to successfully continue a family business after the founder has died. It guarantees the autonomy of the company and allows it to pursue the “strong and meaningful development” its founder Robert Bosch would have wanted.
