Michelin: powerful global R&D

In order to innovate and imagine the world of tomorrow, Michelin relies on a powerful global R&D, involved in all the technologies that will allow it to achieve its growth ambitions while maintaining the balance between People, Profit & the Planet.

The Research & Development division groups together the advanced research, pre-development, and development activities, serving the Group’s strategy and its growth ambitions. Michelin’s R&D is involved in all the technologies that will allow the Group to grow sustainably.

By innovating in particular for the electric market and overcoming the challenge of the all-sustainable tire by 2050,
By adding value to its skills in the data and services fields, 
By making the most of an in-depth knowledge of high-tech materials.

Ranked among the 100 most innovative companies in the world, Michelin unquestionably places innovation at the heart of its strategy, dedicating a budget of nearly EUR 1.2 billion. In particular, Michelin has been recognized by Clarivate^TM as one of the “Top 100 Global Innovators”. 

Michelin is maintaining its course and its investments in terms of Research & Development in order to accompany its “Michelin in Motion” strategy.

Eric-Philippe Vinesse Executive Vice President, Research and Development, Member of the Group’s Executive Committee

The Research & Development Operational Department is organized on a global scale in order to be as close as possible to customers and local requirements.

Its teams are spread over 9 R&D centers across the globe, and number over 6,000 people, of which over 2,500 at the Ladoux site, the Group’s true research flagship.

Site de Ladoux — Michelin's Ladoux circuit boasts 45 km of test tracks for testing grip, handling, noise, comfort...

gr004033 — The Ladoux R&D center covers an area of 450 ha. Here, the entrance to the main building with a total area of 68,000 m2.

The Group’s innovative power is also expressed through an incredible diversity of jobs within R&D. Mathematicians, materials specialists, digital modeling, etc.; the Michelin Group’s research and innovation currently covers no less than 350 different fields of expertise.

In 2023, Michelin filed 269 patents, for a total of over 11,000 active global patents.

11 910

active patents over the world

6000

people spread over 13 countries

1, 2

€ billion dedicated to innovation

Michelin has invested over EUR 44 million in research partnerships across the globe. They constitute an essential lever for achieving the Group’s growth ambitions, in the tire of course, but also beyond mobility. Collaborations like those with Enviro or Pyrowave demonstrate in particular the Group’s deep desire to speed up the emergence of breakthrough technologies in order to respond as quickly as possible to the major environmental challenges and thus make its all-sustainable ambitions a reality.

Start-ups, small or large companies, research institutes, universities, consortiums, etc., Michelin’s R&D teams work in close collaboration with a network of partners from very different worlds.

This desire for openness not only allows for strengthening internal skills, but also for pooling internal and external expertise in order to speed up innovation and generate the emergence of breakthrough innovations.

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