Case Study: Merck KGaA boosts collaboration and innovation with IBM Social Business

Cloud-based social business solution used to inspire collaboration and innovation

Merck KGaA, the global pharmaceutical and chemical company based in Darmstadt, Germany, wanted to strengthen innovation by tapping into the collective intelligence of its widely distributed workforce. The company needed a practical way to encourage employees to share observations, knowledge, and expertise using social business technology from IBM Social Business, including IBM Connections Cloud and IBM Global Business Services consulting.

IBM Social Business implemented a cloud-based social collaboration solution that enabled Merck KGaA to run a four-day virtual brainstorming event for more than 400 employees across the enterprise. The effort generated more than 80 hours of online discussion and ideation, achieved a 59% participation rate, uncovered hidden experts, inspired new projects, and revealed internal process gaps that led to important improvements in practices and procedures.

Merck KGaA

Ulrich Betz

Head of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Incubator