On the back of its full-year results, Bosch invited us to attend its Annual Press Conference and a tour of its facilities in Stuttgart – paying for our flights, hotel, and food. Disclosure aside, the visit illustrated the importance that R&D and startups to both Bosch and other giants that must embrace the Internet of Things – a trend that is as potentially rewarding as it is disruptive. Sitting in on the announcement, listening to it be translated from German to English in near-real time, the initial focus appeared to be on addressing criticisms of diesel engines – in the wake of many cities considering bans on the engines in order to address air quality regulations. Bosch CEO Volkmar Denner…