Research and Development
Around 32,300 researchers and developers at various locations in 30 countries throughout the world work on innovations that help us secure and expand our market leadership positions.
Research highlights
Siemens is developing a new technology that consumes at least 50 percent less energy for desalinating seawater than previous systems.
Siemens is currently developing sensors that will be used as sense organs in buildings.
Data transmission that is absolutely impervious to interception has now come a step closer: several partners recently demonstrated the first quantum cryptography network.
In the future, a special sensor system could be used to automatically monitor kilometers of pipeline for signs of damage.
Locations and investments
Our main research and development centers are located in Germany and Austria, the United States, China and India. An international orientation and global activities will continue to enhance our profile in the future, helping us to answer the key questions of our time – from industrial production methods that save resources to environmental and climate protection as well as health care. Innovations, and therefore also sustainable economic success, depend on investments in research and development. We increased our research and development spending to 3.8 billion euros in 2008.
Patents demonstrate power of innovation
Around 55,000 patents demonstrate our power of innovation – making Siemens one of the world’s most innovative companies. In 2008 alone, Siemens registered 8,200 inventions. During the same period, we filed roughly 5,000 patent applications – which amounts to 38 inventions and 23 patent applications per work day.