Bekir Cansevdi, our R&D Centre Manager:
‘‘As of March 2017, we continue our activities more rapidly as the 400th R&D centre of Turkey.’’

■ How would you describe the share and importance of R&D in the development of a company?

In today’s world, R&D has become a must to exist in such global competition.

■ Do you think “Research and Development Centre” is a need or an obligation for a company?

Sustainability of companies in countries like Turkey that do not have rich natural resources is only possible through a sound R&D.

‘‘R&D IS REQUIRED TO PRODUCE PRODUCTS THAT ARE DIFFERENT FROM THE COMPETITORS AND ATTRACTIVE TO THE CUSTOMER’’

■ What were the reasons behind the decision of Üntes to establish an R&D centre?

As a company, the field we operate in is a sector related to providing comfort to people. For this reason, we have to follow up-to-date technology and parallel sectors. In addition, the activities we carry out in the market within the scope of consumer protection require us to prove all kinds of statements we make regarding our production. Both situations mentioned above form the basis of our R&D activities. In order to appeal to developed and conscious markets, we have to offer better and higher quality products than our competitors and R&D is required in order to produce different and attractive products from our competitors. In order to increase the number of domestic and national products in the portfolio of Üntes, we have to be well-equipped in R&D and to continuously invest in human resources at large rates. The cultural change experienced as a result of the fund-supported (TÜBİTAK) projects also compelled Üntes to establish an R&D centre.

■ Could you please tell us about the establishment process of R&D Centre of Üntes?

Through the studies carried out within the scope of the policy of localization and diversification of the products in its portfolio, which Untes has been maintaining since 2010, a significant investment has been made primarily in the equipment owned by our company, by transferring resources to R&D at a rate similar to those in countries with advanced technology, and thus, our company was able to have similar equipment with rival companies in developed countries. In addition, a system has been established for the continuous improvement of our equipment. A rapid transformation has been initiated within our company through the human resources and qualified workforce trainings carried out simultaneously with the above-mentioned activities. In 2017, in order to increase the effect of this transformation, applications were made to the necessary places in order to gain R&D centre status. As of March 2017, we continue our activities more rapidly as the 400th R&D centre of Turkey.

‘‘AS OF YEAR 2018, THE TOTAL ACTIVITY AREA OF THE R&D CENTER IS 1500m2’’

■ Could you please tell us about your R&D centre with figures?

The real R&D expenditures of Üntes have been around 3% since 2010. As of year 2018, the total activity area of the R&D centre is 1500m2. We have a total of 45 R&D employees, 25 of whom are FTE. We have the most advanced R&D (psychrometric) test laboratories in Turkey, which are qualified to perform air conditioning and thermodynamic tests in accordance with all the standards available in the world; our laboratory areas are 500 m2 in total. We carry out joint activities with 8 universities and 4 techno-park companies.

■ What are the advantages of having its own R&D centre for a company?

The advantages of having its own R&D centre for a company include being in the R&D Eco system, making all activities systematic and traceable, the increase in discipline and self-confidence due to being watched by the fourth and eighth eyes, and the increase in the efficiency and amount of R&D expenditures.

‘‘WHEN YOU DO R&D WORK WITHIN YOUR COMPANY, YOUR RISK OF MAKE A FAILURE RISES.’’

■ What are the differences between conducting R&D studies within your own company and conducting it under the roof of an R&D centre?

When you carry out R&D studies within your own company, you have a high risk of making mistakes. On the other hand, the systematic and traceability of the activities in the R&D centre increases our self-confidence and makes us stronger.

■ What are the long-term goals of your Research and Development Centre for the air conditioning industry and your company?

To offer high-energy efficient, eco friendly, user-friendly and high-quality products to the service of our people.

■ How do you think R&D projects should be determined?

Projects that can contribute to the development of our company, our industry and our country should be selected.

‘‘OUR COMPETITIVENESS IN GLOBAL MARKETS INCREASED’’

■ What kind of gains has Üntes achieved thanks to its R&D projects? What advantages did it have?

First of all, we have one of Turkey’s advanced and respected test laboratories. Our capacity to produce technological products has increased and our self-confidence to stand behind the product we produce has increased. We have significantly reduced the foreign exchange outflow from our country and increased our competitiveness in global markets.

■ Could you please tell us about the last R&D project on the agenda of Üntes?

The last R&D project on the agenda of Üntes is to work on hybrid systems with renewable energy. We carry out these projects as joint projects with academic circles.

‘‘WE COMPLETED 2018 BY ADDING TWO NEW PRODUCTS TO THE PORTFOLIO OF OUR COMPANY’’

■ How was 2018 for the sector? As Üntes, what are your expectations from 2019?

We completed 2018 by adding two new products to the portfolio of our company, and we were able to take action in line with our expectations for these products, and this contributed positively to our morale and motivation. In 2019, we aim to further expand our new product range and increase our current product range.

■ Finally, is there anything you would like to add?

I wish the new year to bring innovations, success and peace to our company, our sector and our world.