The CD model enables cooperations between science and business that are meaningful, useful and productive both for the participating partners and for society. The cooperations are generally structured in the following way: The research group elaborates fundamental knowledge that flows into the development of new products and processes at the commercial partner. A brisk exchange of knowledge, experience and questions between the partners prevails throughout the collaboration. This type of research cooperation therefore differs fundamentally from contract research.

CD Laboratories keep the companies up to date with new scientific developments through their integration into the scientific community. They therefore also perform a ‘radar function’ for the commercial partners. In order for this role to function optimally, the scientific freedom available in the CD Laboratories is of decisive importance: it enables the researchers to collaborate actively at the leading edge of research during the entire duration of the CD Laboratory.