The Thomson Reuters 2011 Top 100 Global Innovators are companies that invent on a significant scale; are working on developments which are acknowledged as innovative by patent offices across the world, and by their peers; and, whose inventions are so important that they seek global protection for them.

The world’s 100 most innovative organisations include 4 Dutch companies (alphabetically):

› ASML
One of the world's leading providers of lithography systems for the semiconductor industry, manufacturing complex machines that are critical to the production of integrated circuits or microchips.

› Philips
As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity.”

› Royal Dutch Shell
A global group of energy and petrochemicals companies with around 93.000 employees in more than 90 countries and territories, tackling the challenges of the new energy future.

› Unilever
Unilever’s portfolio ranges from nutritionally balanced foods to indulgent ice creams, affordable soaps, luxurious shampoos and everyday household care products, and produce world-leading brands including Lipton, Knorr, Dove, Axe, Hellmann’s and Omo, alongside trusted local names such as Blue Band, Pureit and Suave.

"Innovation is a means of growth and prosperity for companies and nations seeking to overcome sluggish economies and achieve competitive advantage. 

The Thomson Reuters 2011 Top 100 Global Innovator programme recognises those organisations that lead the world in innovation, the protection and commercialisation of inventions, and influence on future technologies.

We salute these companies and their leaders for the innovative spirit they foster and their commitment to protecting intellectual assets," said David Brown, president of the IP Solutions business of Thomson Reuters.

Useful links
› Learn more about Thomson Reuters
› Learn more about the methodology
› Top 100 innovators (list)
› Download the full report