Three questions for Andreas Pauly, President and CTO, Rohde & Schwarz

09-Sep-2024

Rohde & Schwarz has had a tradition of setting technological milestones for over 90 years. President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Andreas Pauly discusses technology and what it takes to be innovative.

Mr. Pauly, what does “innovation” mean to you?

For me, innovation is when a novel solution helps our customers work faster, better and more efficiently. Understanding the challenges faced by customers is key to what we do. From experience, I can say that as a group we are most innovative when we can talk openly with customers about their current and future challenges. The more we know about how our products are being used, the better we can align this with the expertise and experience of Rohde & Schwarz. Something new then often emerges that adds real value.

Innovative products do not always have to be completely reinvented. What role does the use of existing technologies for new applications play?

Very important. One example of this is our R&S®QPS security scanners, which are used for security checks at many airports today. These scanners were the result of colleagues transferring expertise from RF component measurement to imaging technology. With our existing knowledge, we were able to produce a very good raw image using microwaves. To do the further data processing needed – unchartered territory for us at the time – we built on our expertise through acquisitions and university partnerships.

Can innovations be strategically planned?

Not in detail, but we can create a supportive environment. Employees need a certain amount of freedom and exchange between departments to be able to come up with ideas. It is also important to have an error culture that allows people to make mistakes and try out new things, as well as long-term thinking and appreciation. Establishing teams with personnel from different divisions also helps drive innovation.