How ABB's Culture of Inclusion Fuels World-Class Innovation

ABB has been recognised among Europe's Most Innovative Companies 2026 by Fortune and Statista, climbing from position 92 to 29 in a single year. Behind that number is a workforce of over 6,000 inventors, and a $1.3 billion annual investment in R&D that is deliberately built around people.

Innovation is a people story

With 28,000+ patent assets and R&D facilities in more than 30 countries, ABB's innovation output is global by design. Around half of its 7,800 R&D employees are focused on software, AI and digital development, a workforce that, by definition, requires diverse thinking to solve complex problems.

"ABB's position as technology leader is built on the ingenuity of inventors and the diligence of our IP professionals," said Mathias Gaertner, ABB General Counsel and Company Secretary. "These teams collaborate every day to ensure a healthy and business-relevant IP culture at ABB."

Inclusion and innovation: two sides of the same strategy

The companies consistently recognised for innovation are also those investing in inclusive cultures. The link is well-documented: diverse teams generate more ideas, challenge assumptions more effectively, and are better equipped to solve the kinds of large-scale challenges ABB is working on, from industrial decarbonisation to AI-powered asset management.

ABB's recognition at Ambassador level in the Workplace Pride Global Benchmark Index reflects the same commitment applied to its people practices. Innovation and inclusion, in ABB's case, are not separate agendas.

What ABB is building

Recent breakthrough innovations include Genix Copilot, a generative AI assistant developed with Microsoft for industrial asset management; the LV Titanium motor, delivering IE5 ultra-premium energy efficiency; and expanded power protection systems for next-generation data centres. Several of ABB's solutions have been recognised by the World Intellectual Property Organization in its Green Technology Book for their contribution to addressing climate change.

The company is also ranked 45th globally and third among Swiss companies for patent applications by the European Patent Office, a benchmark of real innovation output.

A jump from 92 to 29 in one year doesn't happen by accident. It reflects sustained investment, a culture that rewards curiosity, and, crucially, an environment where people from different backgrounds feel equipped to contribute their best ideas.