The success of 3M greatly depends on the innovation the company has brought.

Innovation can be dealt from 2 dimensions, i.e. innovation in goods and services, and innovation in organizational process. Innovation in goods and services occurs when new and improved goods and services are developed or where new users are found for existing goods or services. New products are the lifeblood of 3M and the company builds innovation into all of its components. 3Ms innovation is the deliberate product of a complex set of principles and practices which support and encourage the coupling of technology and creativity to satisfy customer needs. Innovation in operational process occurs when organizations implement significant positive change in their methods production of good and services. 3Ms senior management empowers employees to work with determination and imagination to create innovative solutions. Customers are consulted so that they can provide input and feedback to the process of innovation and product development. To support innovation 3M allocates 6-7 percent of its entire sales revenue (1.4b in 2008) to research and development. This heavy investment also means that staff can devote 15percent of their work time to self directed projects. It was ranked as worlds best R&D company in 2007. The localization of innovation is demonstrated through 3Ms diverse research and development centres: optical manufacture and testing in Poland, electronics in Japan, water filtration in India and dental products in the UK and other markets. 3M provides locally based product development resulting in customer solutions that subsequently result in global replication through the entire company. 3m delights both in reinforcing the principles laid down by some of its key early executives and also celebrating the ongoing success of its current staff. With a continual emphasis on innovation and product development 3M is committed to finding solutions for its diverse group of customers. Management is also committed to encouraging and supporting staff in their pursuit of excellence.

For a company whose core competency might be describes as making things stick, 3M has developed an innovative entrepreneurial workplace culture that its stakeholders seem more than happy to be stuck with.