A short while ago we had our EMEA 2014 Environment, Health and Safety Conference in Istanbul. Our colleagues had a chance to discuss why environment, health and safety are such important topics and why we should implement high qualified standards all the time.

As a company that aims to be the leader in various aspects, we as Siemens consider EHS as one of the key topics that we need to address, invest in, and set high standards for. By setting high standards and being a great example among leading companies, we recognize that EHS enhances our reputation and reliability. Our approach toward EHS also accelerates our competitive strengths and differentiates Siemens in terms of “responsibility for all.” I believe that this should also go for every other company operating in the business with the notion of ‘responsibility’.

Turkey, as we all know, is a rapidly developing and dynamic country, whose production capacity and labor force participation are increasing accordingly. In this context, the challenges to EHS are significant. With the challenges Turkey faces over the years, there is definite scope of further improvement for companies like us which could bring multinational know how, implementation strategies and best practices for the environment, health, and safety in Turkey. Although, Turkish Legislation for H&S was adopted from the EU Directives & taken into force in 2013, I recognize that many workplaces in our country still have high levels of internal and external risks. Regrettably, we have suffered numerous times from the painful consequences of the lack of essential EHS standards at workplaces. There are serious lessons that we need to take from the latest mine accident at Soma, Turkey, which cost 301 lives. Hence, the contribution and dedication of companies, such as Siemens, are vital for optimizing EHS standards in this fast-growing country.

Maintaining safety at all times is what we should expect from ourselves every day. It is not just about our business life, but also about our daily life. At Siemens, we have this “zero-harm culture” and we always feel that we need to be exemplary for all our fellow employees. As parents, as family members, as a part of society, do not you also think that we should always make ‘environment, safety and health’ our priority? At this very moment, as a growing country which has a huge young population, this I believe is more important than ever. For everyone’s sake…

Innovation brings many key aspects to a country, it contributes to the long-term growth, provides employment and ensures that the country becomes or remains competitive. I believe profoundly, that as long as we have responsible innovation, the world will continue to advance. However the aspect of”The New” brings also culturally a certain skepticism with it. As an example the word”NEW” in English derives from the Latin word” Novitas” which also means”Strange”. It is maybe for this reason not surprising, that many societies feel more comfortable to develop an idea and make it better (evolutionary) vs. nurturing and embracing new innovation (revolutionary).

But what are the key elements or the grammar of evolution to ensure that innovation evolves? Here are 3 hints which are based on a discussion from Dr von Pierer and Dr. von Oetinger in the book ”Das Neue”.

The key elements to nurture innovation are:

1. A free spirit which, when exposed to global perspectives, is creative in producing original and diverse ideas .
2. We need a ” Wood – Barn” which is similar to what jazz musicians used to experiment and express themselves freely without judgment (a virtual Burn).
3. We need to be fully convinced and supportive of the power of creativity.