The Detmold-based company Weidmüller, which was named 'Top Innovator of the Year 2013', is active in the field of connection technology for industrial use. It employs around 4,400 people worldwide. Production and development centers on four continents systematically monitor the competition. Various business units and product management are involved in this. Technology monitoring in the narrower sense, on the other hand, is the responsibility of R&D. According to the 'Top 100' jury, Weidmüller has a considerable say in innovation: the company is represented on important national and international standardization committees, where it helps to decide on future market developments.