Experience innovations in action
Learn how our innovations work in practice
Research & DevelopmentDeveloping ideas. Protecting innovation.
Innovation emerges where research, development, and technological expertise come together. Through continuous investment, a global research network, and around 17,000 patents, we lay the foundation for solutions that drive industrial transformation. At the same time, we consistently protect our know-how, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of our technologies in international markets.
695 million euros for research and development
At thyssenkrupp, research and development (R&D) is not just a budget line item — it is the foundation of our competitiveness. We maintain a high level of investment over the long term and are transparent about how much we spend, the breakdown of those funds, and how they are used.
Conducting research through a global network
Our research and development activities are organized on a global scale. More than 75 research and development sites, with approximately 3,900 employees, work closely together and pool their expertise across business units and regions. This network is complemented by collaborations with universities, research institutes, and industry partners, enabling us to translate scientific findings into marketable applications at an early stage.
Our innovation strength in numbers
Innovation does not end with the development of a new technology. Only by consistently protecting our intellectual property can we lay the foundation for ensuring that innovations are sustained over the long term and become economically successful.
More than a century of protecting innovation
Patent protection has a long tradition at thyssenkrupp. As early as 1895, Friedrich Krupp AG filed its first patent: the seamless rolled railroad tire, which revolutionized rail transportation and can still be seen in thyssenkrupp’s logo today.
Since then, not a single year has gone by without hundreds of new intellectual property rights being registered. With up to 449 initial patent applications in a single fiscal year, we set the standard.
Research and development at thyssenkrupp also means that we consistently protect our intellectual property, thereby strengthening our position in the face of international competition.
Focus on future technologies
We focus our intellectual property rights on the technologies that will shape tomorrow's industry—from autonomous driving and the energy transition to the use of artificial intelligence in our own patent processes.
Patents for autonomous driving
Tomorrow's mobility needs technological pioneers — and we're leading the way. In 2022 alone, the Automotive Technology segment filed 88 new patents — including patents for steering systems that will enable the autonomous driving of the future by replacing mechanical connections with electrical signal transmission. With our patent strategy in the automotive segment, we are securing a key position in this future-oriented market for the long term.
Patents for the energy transition
We develop and hold patents for hydrogen technologies, green ammonia, CO2 reduction in cement production, and wind energy components—technologies that not only strengthen our competitive position but also actively contribute to the decarbonization of industry.
AI in patent management
Artificial intelligence isn't just changing our products — it's also changing how we develop and protect innovations. We use AI strategically in the patent creation process to identify, evaluate, and file inventions for patenting more quickly. This accelerates our patent strategy and helps us compete on the international stage.
Intellectual Property as a Strategic Success Factor
Our patent portfolio is supported by an interdisciplinary team that manages the entire lifecycle of our intellectual property rights—from the initial idea to commercialization.