GE Citizenship

Research & Development

More than 30,000 GE technologists are based around the world, driving technology advancements that are redefining what’s possible in major infrastructure segments like energy and healthcare. We are developing new solutions to make the electric grid smarter, so that we can maximize the full potential of clean, renewable power and help consumers save on energy costs by getting the most out of smart lighting and appliances. We are advancing new battery technologies to accelerate the hybridization and electrification of transportation to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. And in healthcare, we are working to improve the quality, accessibility and cost of essential services all over the world.

To deliver innovation that transforms and improves people’s lives, GE is committed to investing heavily in new research and technology development. R&D expenditures in 2008 were $4.3 billion, compared with $4.1 billion and $3.5 billion in 2007 and 2006, respectively. In 2008, expenditures in R&D from GE’s own funds were $3 billion. Expenditures funded by customers (mainly the U.S. government) were $1.3 billion in 2008. GE also has made capital investments totaling more than $330 million since 2001 to expand our four global research centers in Niskayuna, New York; Bangalore, India; Shanghai, China; and Munich, Germany. Increasing GE’s global R&D presence has greatly enhanced the company’s ability to accelerate our growth in emerging markets and support “in-country, for-country” initiatives around the world.

Also In This Section