Two-thirds of our investment is aimed at improving the environmental performance of our products, for example investing in low-carbon technologies like nuclear energy.
A key element in our approach to technology acquisition is our three-phase Vision Programme. Developing the right technologies means looking far into the future and generating a vision of what the needs of our customers will be. Technology acquisition is therefore planned over three time horizons:
Vision 5 - applying technology
Vision 5 describes the technologies that we currently have available 'off-the-shelf'. They will be incorporated into new products, such as the aero Trent XWB gas turbine, while some existing engines will be modified to incorporate these proven technologies. Vision5 will ensure that current products remain market leaders in every aspect of performance, reliability and cost.
Vision 10 - the next generation
Vision 10 embodies technologies currently at the validation stage which are due to be commercially available in the medium-term to up to ten years from now. The next generation of our market-leading products will rely largely on Vision10 technologies.
Vision 20 - exploring new ideas
Vision 20 technologies target future generations of products in a 20-year timeframe. These are at the strategic research stage – emerging or as yet unproven – but will ensure that we are prepared for future market developments by focusing our extensive research base (including universities and institutions) on the technology requirements of future generations of products.