For 3Shape’s CTO Niclas, Innovation isn’t just another buzzword

Technological innovation in dentistry is revolutionizing how dentists work while bringing patient care to new and higher levels. Treatments like getting a crown are now digitalized where you are scanned instead of having goop in your mouth, and your crown, in some cases, is 3D printed an hour later. 

With its pioneering history and an array of industry awards, 3Shape is well-cemented as an innovative company driving this change. The 3Shape TRIOS line of intraoral scanners has earned the prestigious Cellerant Best of Class Award eleven times. Both 3Shape's TRIOS IOS for dental practices and the F8 scanner for labs were honored with the Red Dot Design Award.

For 3Shape’s Chief Technology Officer, Niclas Blohm, innovation is deeply rooted in the company's DNA.

"At 3Shape, innovation is not just another buzzword,” says Blohm. “It's how our company was founded, a part of our culture, the pillar of our strategy, and after 23 years, it continues to be the driver behind our success."

Market surveys show that dental professionals recognize 3Shape as the most innovative brand in its industry. Its reputation is well-founded, considering that the company comes out with cutting-edge products year after year at major trade shows - such as the market’s first wireless intraoral scanner in 2017. According to Blohm, 3Shape’s continuous stream of innovative products is only possible because, at 3Shape, innovation is both a business strategy and a corporate culture. Blohm explains:

“Our business strategies and innovative culture are intertwined. They depend on each other and feed each other. We strive for a healthy balance between the creative and commercial sides. It's this combination that helps 3Shape continuously churn out trendsetting technologies for dentistry.  When our innovation is commercially successful, we can invest in more innovation and continue turning out groundbreaking products.”

On the business strategy side, Blohm points out that more and more dentists are realizing just how much technology can improve dental care. The dental solution companies offering the best technologies will be positioned to lead this fast-growing market. That's why 3Shape invests heavily in innovation. Over 25% of the company’s employees work in scanner and software development. But to wield such innovation power successfully, you need clear business and commercial strategies, according to Blohm:

“It’s about innovating wisely. We tie our innovation to sound business decisions by creating solutions that guarantee commercial value - based on what dental professionals tell us they need.  For example, we are famous for our high-quality scanners and continue improving our hardware solutions with each new model. But we also have a relatively large team of software developers because feedback from doctors indicates massive potential for improving dental care through software solutions using technologies such as AI and cloud. But on top of innovation based on user feedback, a part of our strategy is also to make disruptive moves and challenge both ourselves and the market.”

Blohm can’t hide his enthusiasm when he talks about corporate culture as the other key enabler for innovation. He acknowledges that 3Shape’s developers are excited when they create something completely new, but, more importantly, they are genuinely proud to be working with something meaningful for people. Blohm says:

“Our developers are deeply moved and inspired by the testimonials from doctors and patients showing how our technologies make life-changing differences for people with complex oral health issues. For many of our employees, this commitment to a higher purpose is what drives them and is much more important than the revenue results.”

3Shape is renowned for having a very international culture, with 50 nationalities on its staff of over 2200 people. Blohm applauds such diversity and values its impact on the company’s innovation capabilities.

“Diversity in our culture brings different perspectives, a variety of experiences, and unique paths to knowledge and education. Merging such differences fuels innovation and strengthens it. Our journey towards diversity and inclusion is ever evolving, and we persistently seek new ways to embed these values within our culture."

But what is the most vital building block in a corporate culture that fosters successful innovation? For Blohm, this is a fundamental mindset that rules across the organization – a mindset that allows room for curiosity and exploration. He explains:

“Being visionary is a trait we like to see in all our people. Traditionally, "visionary" is attributed to top leaders. However, we encourage a visionary approach at all levels and roles in our company. Innovation can come from anyone in the organization. We all accept that not everything we spend time on will necessarily end up as a product. To be successful as innovators, we need to have the courage to enter unchartered territory, try new things, challenge ourselves, accept failure, and learn from the experience. Throughout our history, 3Shape has cultivated such a work environment and thereby solidified an innovative culture that continuously turns out fantastic products.”

About Niclas Blohm

3Shape's Chief Technology Officer, Niclas Blohm, joined 3Shape in 2023 and is instrumental in consolidating and building on the company's strong, unified innovation team. With his knowledge, expertise, enthusiasm, and passion for technology, 3Shape's R&D and Product Management teams move forward at an ever-greater pace under his direction. A Swedish national who has spent many years working in Denmark, Niclas built his career with (Sony) Ericsson and GN Audio/Jabra. In recent years, he headed up the large R&D function at GN. At 3Shape, Niclas is seen as the personification of one of the company's core values: Innovate with Passion.