Group Management Report

Through its research and development program, Bilfinger Berger works continuously to enhance the quality of construction and services processes. Research and development activities are focused toward the needs of the Company’s practical work. Technical innovation and the further development of processes are important in securing our competitiveness in all business segments. Last year, a large number of research projects again resulted in approvals by building authorities, new registered industrial designs and patents.

Research and development is coordinated and managed centrally at Bilfinger Berger. However, the actual development work is mostly carried out by the operational units. As a result, our R&D work is marked by technically sophisticated solutions that create competitive advantages, as well as efficient processes and a strong focus on the needs of our customers. In addition to projectrelated development work, Bilfinger Berger cooperates with leading universities to carry out research on selected topics that can provide direct, operational benefit.

Group-wide expertise for all segments
In the 2006 financial year, some 50 research projects from the building, services and concessions businesses were managed centrally. They focused on:

• Construction materials technology
• Construction elements and structural technology
• Maintenance, repair and operation
• Process and machine technology
• Planning and knowledge tools, as well as
• Property rights

The decentralized structure of our research and development work means that the Group Technology Corporate Function is also responsible for knowledge management throughout the Company.