‘Open Innovation’ is a relatively new trend changing the way companies do research and innovation development. The principle is simple: in today’s world where good ideas can come from almost anywhere and organizations need a constant flow of innovations to stay effective and competitive, it is becoming essential for a growing number of companies to carry out R&D, buy or license inventions (i.e. patents) outside of their own walls.

NineSigma, one of ISTC’s latest international Partners, is a major player in the ‘Open Innovation’ paradigm shift in business. In brief, NineSigma brings together "technology seekers", companies such as Philips, Xerox, GlaxoSmithKline, Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, Kraft and many other Fortune 500 companies, with "technology providers", i.e., experts at research institutes, universities, and small and large firms who can provide technology know-how and facilities to answer specific needs.

Thus, the match between ISTC and NineSigma seems obvious as ISTC's network of more than 900 technology providing laboratories throughout Russia and CIS will allow NineSigma and their technology seeking clients access to relatively under-utilized open innovation resources and an opportunity for companies all over the world to learn about Russian and CIS savoir-faire. ISTC and NineSigma are both looking forward to a productive Partnership, one that will contribute to finding solutions for the corporate world and to global issues.