Jamshedpur, May 11: The Tata group announced today that it has doubled its published patents in two years, from about 3500 at the end of calendar year 2013 to about 7000 at the end of 2015.
In the calendar year 2015 itself, Tata companies have filed over 2000 published patents in India and international jurisdictions.
These patents are primarily in the area of computation and data processing; materials, coating, casting and vehicle propulsion; communications; engines; and hybrids, fuels and controls. Reflecting the thrust on research and development, 2.7% of the group�s turnover has been invested in R&D in 2014-15, amounting to Rs 17,896 crore ($2.9 billion), a press communiqu� issued by the steel company on Wednesday stated.
Spearheaded by the Group Technology & Innovation Office (GTIO), a new consortium model of delivering technology by harnessing synergies between Tata companies has been implemented to create breakthrough innovations.
Under this model, new products and services will be delivered by collaborative efforts of Tata companies working in a consortium mode with a formal memorandum of understanding.
The GTIO has implemented the above model by nurturing global first solutions in four focus areas namely energy, food & wellness, digital consumer products and services, and digital factory and fleets.
Dr. Mukund Rajan, member � Group Executive Council and Brand Custodian, Tata Sons, said, �The spirit of innovation is strongly embedded in the Tata ethos.
The group has to its credit many firsts with respect to visionary and pioneering initiatives from the time of its inception, and continues to engage in various programs and activities to promote a culture of innovation.�
Rajan added, �This will play a key role in helping us achieve our global ambitions. The global first solutions being developed collaboratively by Tata companies, and the doubling of published patents in two years, are clear indicators of the group�s diverse competencies and cross-functional talent spread across over 100 companies.
The new consortium model for technology development spearheaded by the GTIO is an example of how the group is using its parenting advantage to nurture, synergize and optimize these competencies towards creating competitive advantage and long-term sustainable profitable growth.�
Dr. Gopichand Katragadda, Group Chief Technology Officer, Tata Sons, said, �We have to be at the forefront of innovation and technology to continually engage a talented workforce and deliver profitable sustainable growth.
Tata companies continue to mature on intellectual property creation with a significant uptick of patenting activity in the past two years.
At the group level, we have created new internal and external collaboration mechanisms to deliver break-through innovations at the intersection of technologies. We have the platforms to deliver innovation. It is time to execute. It is time to be bold!�
From a total of 57 Tata companies from across 18 countries who submitted their projects in Tata Innovista 2016, 29Tata companies reached the regional rounds.
The projects at the regional rounds, held in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, Ashorne Hill, UK, Washington DC, and Bangkok, were judged by eminent external experts. 50 teams from 17 Tata companies were shortlisted for the final global round that took place in Mumbai on April 21-22, 2016.Started in 2006, Tata Innovista has become an indicator of the success of the innovation drive in the Tata group � and of the inherent capabilities of its people.