- EDP, EDF, and RWE lead the ESMT Energy Innovation Index 2012
- Index examines the 16 major energy suppliers in Europe
The authors of the index, ESMT faculty member Christoph Burger and program director Dr. Jens Weinmann, draw a moderately positive balance of the innovation process in the energy industry between 2010 and 2012. "Despite the difficult economic situation, the R&D budgets increased by three per cent during this time," comments Christoph Burger, energy expert and managing director of ESMT Customized Solutions. "In many companies, the topic of innovation has grown in importance and has arrived in the boardroom."
The best-ranked companies are pursuing different innovation strategies. EDF and RWE focus on classical research and development to position themselves as "research leaders" with a strong patent culture. By contrast, EDP, which topped the index, can be characterized as a "dissemination leader". The company focuses on the implementation of product and process innovation and is particularly successful in applying advances in technology to new business models.
Despite the overall positive picture, Burger and Weinmann warn that, in total, there is too little investment in innovation. "In addition to the very active companies, there is a group of nine 'hesitants' that do not set a priority on R&D or innovation," explains Weinmann. "For these companies, the results of the Energy Innovation Index should serve as a wake-up call."
Download the complete ESMT Energy Innovation Index 2012: http://www.esmt.org/...
