What is Abengoa?

Abengoa's Commitment

The History of Abengoa

R+D+I at Abengoa

Research, Development and Technological Innovation at Abengoa

Demonstration Projects

Some Examples of R+D+i

Innovation in Management at Abengoa

Organization

Financial Information

At Abengoa, we believe that an innovative company in a context of change and global competition is an efficient and necessary instrument for progressing towards a society of sustainable development. In our opinion, it must contribute to transforming our current socioeconomic system, which is neither sustainable, nor for everyone, into one that is sustainable for all. This is our commitment to the future.

In fact, in the latest study published by the European Union in 2006 on companies that make the highest investments in R+D+i, Abengoa ranked fifth among Spanish companies, and occupies the 203rd position for all European companies. Abengoa thus acts as a technologically-driven company in multiple segments: solar energy, biofuels, desalination, environmental services and recycling, hydrogen, information technologies, and engineering and industrial construction.

Abengoa invested 69 million euro in R&D&I in 2006. This year 55 million euro has been invested and the figure projected for 2008 is 101 million euro. These figures confirm Abengoa's commitment to innovation as the basis for long-term sustainable growth. There are currently over 450 people working at Abengoa in research and development. Most R&D&I activities are carried out through demonstration projects.

Innovation, aimed at achieving results, pursues three kinds of tangible objectives: diversification, through the development of new products and services; differentiation, through enhancement and adaptation of current products and services; and improvement in processes. Abengoa also upholds the intangible objective of acquiring essential competencies and, especially, generating forward-looking options, an aspect which is closely linked to value through growth expectations and forecasts and the development of new businesses.

At Abengoa, innovation is achieved in different ways. On the one hand, there is internal execution, aimed at offering solutions for specific clients, or for our own development. There is also external execution based on contracts for collaboration with universities, research centers and third parties: execution in this case usually involves a joint effort. In other cases, technology is acquired; moreover, for a number of years, strategic financial investments have been made in technological companies.