Beijing, March 3, 2014 - In the 2013 "Innovators of the Year" published today by Global Science, ABB Group's Corporate Research Center in China (CRC) was named among the "2013 Top 10 Most Influential Research and Development Centers". This is the first such list to systematically assess enterprises which have set up R&D centers in China, evaluating their investment, local R&D achievements, personnel training, R&D management, contributions to the industry, integrated cross-border collaboration and overall strength of leadership, as well as influence on society.
Innovation is a part of ABB's DNA. As a global leader in power and automation technologies, ABB's annual R&D expenditure amounts to over one billion U.S. dollars, employing more than 8,000 scientists and collaborating with more than 70 well-known universities around the world. As one of the seven global research centers of ABB Group, ABB CRC was established in early 2005, with two major research laboratories in Beijing and Shanghai focusing on power and automation research in renewable energy on-grid technology, outdoor insulation, small parts assembly and other areas.
Upholding the "In China, for China and the world" development strategy, ABB has always been committed to promoting local innovation and R&D. From 2010-2013, ABB China doubled the size of its R&D team. Meanwhile, the ABB CRC collaborated on more than 15 research projects with more than 10 local universities, including Zhejiang University and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The ABB CRC also worked closely with other national research centers within the ABB Group with more than a quarter of all R&D projects being through international cooperation.
In the selection results, Global Science praised the rapid development of ABB China's R&D capabilities: "the dual innovative model of local collaboration and global integration promotes the rapid development of ABB China and allows the local R&D team to play a pivotal role in ABB's global R&D system."
The head of ABB CRC and Chief Technology Officer of ABB China Limited, Mr. Qianjin Liu said: "This award recognizes ABB's local R&D capabilities in China. Since its establishment, CRC has created a broad platform for sharing and exchanging of industry technology and experience, strengthening the two-way flow of information at home and abroad. In the future, we will continue to strengthen ABB's forward-looking R&D in China and promote related innovation and application in the global market, taking the lead in moving from 'Made in China' to 'Designed in China'. "
Based on customer needs and ABB's insight and vision of the market, the ABB CRC and R&D teams work closely with the business divisions to continuously introduce new products and technologies that meet local market demands and support China's economic restructuring and industrial upgrading. Some of the leading-edge products and technologies created with the participation and leadership of the CRC include the world's first dual-arm robot, ABB's fastest and most accurate six-axis small robot - the "Dragon" IRB 120, research on the fastest line differential protection, large scale wind power transmission, novel insulation materials and hybrid multi-terminal HVDC technology.
As the sole Chinese licensee of the global technology media brand Scientific American, Global Science organized a selection committee of experts, industry consultants, Scientific American global advisors, the media and leaders of domestic and international technology companies.
Through this award, Global Science aims to present the real picture of China's domestic R&D capabilities, reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of local technological innovation, and provide ideas for Chinese enterprises in innovation. This "innovation list" is comprised of one master list of the "2013 Top 10 Most Influential R&D Centers" and five individual awards.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 150,000 people. ABB has a full range of business activities in China, including R&D, manufacturing, sales and services, with 19,000 employees, 37 local companies, and an extensive sales and service network across 109 cities.
Previous: ABB grows with customers for Intelligent Upgrading
