Tata Group doubled its published patents in two years, from about 3,500 at the end of calendar year 2013 to about 7,000 at the end of 2015.
In calendar year 2015 itself, Tata companies have filed over 2,000 published patents in India and international jurisdictions. These patents are primarily in the area of computation and data processing, vehicle propulsion, communications, engines, and hybrids, materials and fuels. The group spent 2.7 per cent of the turnover on R&D in 2014-15, amounting to ₹17,896 crore or $2.9 billion.
The innovations have primarily been led by Tata Group’s Group Technology and Innovation Office (GTIO), a new consortium model created two years ago to deliver technology by harnessing synergies between Tata companies to create breakthrough innovations. Under this model, new products and services are delivered by collaborative efforts of Tata companies working in a consortium mode with a formal memorandum of understanding.
The company said while the patents and innovations will initially be used to reduce costs and increase revenue opportunities, it will also use these innovations to generate commercial products soon.
“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, synergise and optimise these competencies towards creating competitive advantage and long-term sustainable profitable growth,” said Dr Mukund Rajan, Member, Group Executive Council and Brand Custodian, Tata Sons.
“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,” said Dr Gopichand Katragadda, Group Chief Technology Officer, Tata Sons.