3M's international experience

In 1988, 3M's worldwide sales topped $10-billion for the first time, and global expansion became a major corporate strategy, with International Operations setting a new goal-to achieve 50% of 3M sales by 1992. About one-fifth of 3M's $721-million worldwide R&D budget was earmarked for International Operations in 1988. The global technical resources totaled 7556 employees, with 2130 of those were located outside the United States. The sharing of technical information is an essential ingredient of innovation and creativity; hence 3M's sharing through exchange or reports; short-, medium- and long-term employee exchanges are methods that 3M has found effective.<>