For the second consecutive year, Thales has been listed, for the second consecutive year, as a Top 100 Global Innovator in the rankings announced by Thomson Reuters earlier this week.
The award honors the innovative capabilities of companies and research centers around the world, based on assessment criteria composed of four key metrics relating to intellectual property activity including: number of patents filed, success rate (patents granted versus patents filed), the geographical penetration and influence of those patents.

Jean-Bernard Lévy, Chairman & CEO of Thales, said: “Being recognized as a Top 100 Global Innovator demonstrates that Thales has made the right choice in placing innovation at the heart of its growth strategy. We are proud that the commitment and creativity of Thales employees has been recognized on a global level.”

Thales invests 20% of its revenues in research and development every year. The company’s patent portfolio currently stands at some 13,000 patents, and the Group’s 22,500 engineers and researchers filed over 350 new patents in 2012. 60% of Thales R&D staff are located in France. The Group is also particularly active around the world and has established R&D centers in 18 countries across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia.

Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Transport, Defence and Security markets. In 2012, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners.