Siemens hails UK as a 'world class innovation hub'

In Cambridge, Siemens PLM Software specialises in product lifecycle management solutions including digital product development, manufacturing and product data. It has over 190 highly qualified R&D staff and is world leading in the pioneering of 3D modelling technology.

The business unit, which originally spun out of Cambridge University in 1974, now sees its technology used globally in more than 350 commercial software applications for the design, simulation and manufacture of products across the globe. Worldwide, over 6 million designers and engineers have benefited from its software innovations, selling to over 200 software companies in 28 countries.

Siemens NX software, based on technology developed in Cambridge was recently used in the design and landing simulation of NASA's Mars Curiosity Rover as well as helping to develop technologies in Formula 1 racing cars.

Siemens further reaffirmed its commitment to R&D in the UK with its acquisition of Preactor last week. The Preactor Group is based in Chippenham with subsidiaries in North America, India, France, Spain and China. Preactor's breakthrough advanced production planning software has been installed by more than 4,500 companies in 75 countries, and is used to optimise production costs, boost productivity and improve on-time delivery.

Nearly half its employees are involved in R&D, out of a total workforce of 70 - adding to the growing bank of Siemens UK R&D specialists in this growing technology area of Industrial Software.

Siemens Energy Research and Development is helping the UK to meet its low carbon ambition and protect British resources and energy security. In Lincoln, Siemens unique collaboration with the University is helping to develop industry-relevant research to achieve ever higher efficiency in gas turbines for oil and gas and industrial power plants. Keele and Sheffield are pioneering converter technology for next generation wind turbines that will be more efficient, generate more power and require less maintenance.

Bristol is also home to Siemens new test and assembly centre for next generation tidal turbine technology, opened recently by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.

Juergen Maier, Managing Director of Siemens Industry said "We are clearly world class when it comes to R&D in the UK - but global competition is very high, so we must focus hard on the areas we can be truly world beating at - and that can't be in everything - so as a country we need to marshal our resources at what we do best to get the attention from global companies like ours.

"What is fantastic about doing business in Britain is that we also have world class Universities, such as Manchester and Cambridge that act as vehicles for innovation. Continued investment in this area will be the engine that powers the UK economic recovery, generating long lasting wealth and creating jobs.

"British Universities lead in a number of key technology fields like Graphene and Smart Grids both of which we have agreed to work more closely on with the University of Manchester. We have over 50 research and development partnerships with 26 Universities."

Earlier this year Siemens announced that the University of Manchester and Cambridge would be its new ambassador Universities dedicated to commercialising cutting edge research - seen as critical if the UK is to beat global economic competition.

Universities and Science Minister, David Willetts, said: "The UK has some of the most innovative business in the world, helping to cement our place as the leading destination for foreign investment in Europe. Innovation gives us a competitive advantage, drives growth, creates jobs and can help us to succeed in the global race.

"I am delighted that Siemens is hosting the G8 Innovation Conference at its cutting edge and sustainable Crystal building in East London. Finding new solutions to some of the most pressing global concerns are an important aspiration of the UK G8 Presidency and the conference provides a key opportunity to push this agenda."

The commitment to develop R&D capacity in the UK comes on the back of an announcement from the Government to commit over £290 million of public and private investment to drive innovation and growth in a number of new university and business partnerships.

The projects will focus on physical sciences, medical research, advanced materials, pharmaceutical manufacturing and advanced manufacturing. They will tackle global challenges like developing new treatments for cancer and ensuring advanced materials can cope under harsh conditions, including difficult to access oil and gas reservoirs.

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