The driving force of innovation - A Top 100 Global Innovators deep dive into the Automotive sector

Welcome to the latest installment of Top 100 Global Innovators™ from Clarivate™ report series, where we take an in-depth look at the top players and global trends driving innovation across several key industries.

In this edition, we focus on the automotive segment — a cornerstone of modern industry currently navigating a storm of innovation convergence driven by the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving technologies and connected vehicle systems powered by the Internet of Things (IoT). These advancements are setting new benchmarks for innovation and R&D initiatives globally.

The full report highlights the leading innovators in the automotive industry and analyzes the trends fueling this dynamic and rapidly evolving sector. In this blog, we extract some of the key trends, insights and analyses from the full report.

Download ‘The driving force of innovation – A Top 100 Global Innovators deep dive into the Automotive sector’ report.

The top 20 organizations

The report identifies the leading organizations in the automotive sector based on their innovation output and impact. Among the top 20 automotive innovators, notable names include:

Download the report to view the full list.

These leading innovators are geographically spread across major automotive hubs worldwide. This underscores the significant role that regions like Japan, the United States, South Korea and Europe continue to play in global automotive innovation.

A diversity of manufacturers and suppliers

The complete list of organizations includes a diverse mix of car manufacturers, specialist suppliers and tire manufacturers. This reflects the broad spectrum of innovation across the industry and illustrates the importance of collaboration between different types of companies in driving technological advancements.

Increased competition through virtual integration

One of the most notable trends explored in the report is the increasing competition through virtual integration. The complexity of modern automotive technologies, such as EVs, autonomous driving, and connectivity, has led to greater collaboration and overlap between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers. This virtual integration means suppliers not only provide components but also develop integrated systems and technologies.

A correlation between innovation and market success

The data in the report shows a clear correlation between innovation and market success in the automotive sector. The leading innovators in the industry are also some of the most commercially successful companies. For instance, the top 20 OEMs in the report sold almost 50 million cars in 2023, accounting for over 66% of global car sales. This significant market share underscores the substantial impact that innovation has on commercial success.

Notable trends in patent filings and international protection

Patent filings and international protection critically indicate innovation activity in the automotive sector. The report highlights several notable trends in this area. For example, while Mainland China leads in innovation volume, less than 1% of its patents are filed abroad. This contrasts with higher international filing rates from Japan, the United States, Europe and South Korea.

However, the level of international patent protection sought by firms in Mainland China has doubled in the past six years, indicating a strategic shift towards greater global competition and a desire to enhance the country’s influence in the global automotive industry.

Emerging technologies and future trends

Several key technological advancements are shaping the future of the automotive sector. These include:

Battery technology: Innovations in battery charging, design and materials are rapidly advancing, making batteries more efficient, longer lasting and cost-effective. This is crucial for the widespread adoption of EVs, helping to overcome issues like range anxiety and short battery life. Future developments in solid-state batteries and the use of AI and ML in battery management are expected to boost EV performance and affordability further.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML): The application of AI and ML in automotive use cases is accelerating, particularly in areas such as autonomous driving, predictive maintenance and enhanced user experiences. These technologies are expected to continue to evolve, driven by the increasing integration of AI in various automotive functions.
Sensor and data connectivity: Advancements in this field are essential for the development of connected and autonomous vehicles, enabling real-time data exchange and improved vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication.

Alignment with the Clarivate 5-Forces of Modern Innovation

The technological trends in the automotive sector align closely with the Clarivate 5-forces model of modern innovation, which includes sustainability, well-being, connectivity, automation and mobility. These forces represent the key areas where technological advancements drive significant changes and improvements.

These forces are crucial because they fuel the convergence of technologies across the automotive segment, creating a powerful and self-reinforcing cycle of innovation. This helps companies assess the opportunities and risks associated with innovation by highlighting the areas where future innovations will likely emerge.

Key takeaway

Leveraging data and intelligence for informed decision-making is paramount. By understanding key trends, insights and emerging technologies highlighted in this report, leaders can successfully navigate the complexities of the automotive sector and make strategic decisions that drive innovation and competitive advantage.

Download the report now and equip your organization with the data and intelligence to drive success.

If you’d like more information on the methodologies, resources and approaches offered by the Clarivate Center for IP and Innovation Research™, visit clarivate.com/products/center-for-ip-innovation-research.