EADS has been named a Thomson Reuters 2013 Top 100 Global Innovator, recognising the aerospace and defence Group’s track record at the forefront of research and technology worldwide. The survey is based on a study ranking companies by various criteria such as overall patent volume, patent grant success rate, global reach of the portfolio, and patent influence as evidenced by citations. EADS, which was also named a Top 100 Global Innovator by Thomson Reuters in 2012, holds a high number of patents in a wide range of technology areas and geographical regions.

Jean Botti, EADS’ Chief Technical Officer, commented: “Innovation is the bedrock of EADS’ success. We are proud to be recognized for our commitment to research and development, which is reflected in the 37,000 patents we hold worldwide, of which more than 3,000 new patents were registered in the last three years. Our innovation projects have a far reaching impact beyond just the aerospace industry; we also drive development in other areas, such as consumer electronics, wind turbines, and the automotive industry.”

The transfer of patented technologies is coordinated by the EADS Technology Licensing initiative, which draws on a wide range of expertise, ranging from composites and metal manufacturing, to green technologies, security, communications infrastructure and aircraft cabin interior development. EADS works closely with its partners to support them in developing their production, maturing their processes, improving performance and increasing safety.

The Thomson Reuters study concluded that the Top 100 Innovators collectively generated revenues of $4.5 trillion as well as 266,152 new jobs in 2012, 0.81% higher than the job creation rate among constituents of the Standard Poor’s 500 index. Further findings of the study suggest that the Innovators outspent this index on RD by a margin of 8.8%.

Also demonstrating EADS’ strength in innovation is the recent Annual Global Innovation 1000 study by Booz Company. EADS was named one of the top 50 most innovative companies worldwide. In 2012, EADS spent more than €3 billion on self-financed RD. Each year Booz Company investigates the innovative prospects and RD activities of 1,000 listed companies worldwide. This year’s study shows how companies are driving innovation using digital tools, including productivity enablers such as rapid prototyping/3D printing, simulation tools, and project management tools.

About EADS

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2012, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 56.5 billion and employed a workforce of over 140,000.