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Success from innovation

For more than 170 years, groundbreaking ideas, new concepts and convincing business models have been the guarantors of our success. Our innovations move beyond mere ideas to become convincing products that conquer markets and set benchmarks. They have made our company big and strong, and will enable us to build a successful future.
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Innovations: How we will shape the future

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Innovation Strategy
Innovations are a key pillar of our strategic program Vision 2020. With the help of these innovations, we will bolster Siemens’ long-range competitiveness and generate profitable, sustainable growth.
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Inventors
Our employees around the world are instrumental in the successful future of Siemens. Get to know some of our exceptional inventors.
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Research Topics
We work on the most important technologies of the future such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain or Robotics. Find out more about our current research topics.
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Corporate Technology
Natural scientists and engineers in all fields, mathematicians and software developers work at our central research and development unit, Corporate Technology. Their single goal: shaping the future.
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Pictures of the Future
Our innovation magazine reports on key technology trends and offers a deep insight into the research being conducted by Siemens. Venture into our labs and see for yourself.
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Annual Report 2017
Annual Report 2017

Facts and Figures

Innovativeness in figures

Innovations have always formed the basis for Siemens’ success. In fiscal 2016, we spent approximately €4.7 billion on research and development, which is around €200 million more than the previous year. We are developing new technologies in all business fields and bringing them to market.

R&D intensity
R&D expenses
R&D employees
Patent first filings
Inventions

170 years of innovativeness

1816
1892184718661925195919751983201020122014
2016
1816
1892

Werner Von Siemens

1816 -
1892

Founder of Siemens, visionary businessman, pioneer in electrical engineering and an initiator of the modern economy.

Siemens innovations
covering about 170 years

1847

In the pointer telegraph, Werner von Siemens created a reliable system for transmitting messages and also laid the foundation stone for the Siemens & Halske Telegraph Construction Company and therefore for the global company Siemens.

Siemens innovations
covering about 170 years

1866

Conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy – the Siemens dynamo is steadily putting electricity into people's daily lives.

Siemens innovations
covering about 170 years

1925

The Irish Free State awarded Siemens the contract for electrification of the entire country. The core was the hydroelectric power plant on the river Shannon with three 30 MVA generators.

Siemens innovations
covering about 170 years

1959

In launching the SIMATIC controllers on the market, Siemens laid the foundation for a leading position in automation technology, which lasts until today.

Siemens innovations
covering about 170 years

1975

Breakthrough for Siemens in high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission – first used along the 1,400 km route from Mozambique to South Africa.

Siemens innovations
covering about 170 years

1983

The MAGNETOM was the first magnetic resonance imaging scanner from Siemens to go into service in Germany.

Siemens innovations
covering about 170 years

2010

The next stage in automation technology: Siemens introduced the Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal), which improves all operating, machine and process flows.

Siemens innovations
covering about 170 years

2012

Siemens started field testing of the world's largest rotor at the six-megawatt offshore wind farm near Østerild in Denmark, allowing 6,000 households to be supplied with clean electricity.

Siemens innovations
covering about 170 years

2014 -
2016

Siemens presents its digitalization strategy. With its digital portfolio consisting of vertical software, digital services, digitally improved electrification and automation, and digital platforms, Siemens offers its customers a broader range of digital products and services than any other company.

Articles from Pictures of the Future

next47
Pictures of the Future Article  

The Next Generation of Innovations

By founding next47, Siemens is vastly expanding its work with start-ups in five key areas of innovation.

 
Building Information Modeling
Pictures of the Future Article  

Born in the Digital World

Siemens´ Building Information Modeling system (BIM) optimizes building planning and links an building’s 3D model to data such as costs, deadlines, and technical specifications.

 
Print on Demand
Pictures of the Future Article  

Print-on-Demand Manufacturing

Siemens now uses additive manufacturing to produce many spare parts for its rail vehicles. The process is quick, flexible and cost-efficient.