Leonardo has a long and proud heritage of innovation, whether in the development of new products, technologies and services, or in ways of working to improve efficiency and quality. Innovation is the lifeblood of our company, and it requires a culture which generates and supports ideas and those who create them.
Innovation may develop in two categories. The ‘top down’ approach to innovation for improving known products or technologies is planned and resourced. This route has led to many ground- breaking developments. However, we also nurture the spark of a completely novel idea which can originate from the ‘bottom up’. Both rely on the skills, curiosity and creativity of our people.
At Leonardo, we recognise that innovation is about people, and we support our employees at every level to realise and optimise their capability, whether through academic study and qualification, or skills development.
Our people’s skills have won us many awards and recognition, not least our latest Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category. Dave Marshall, VP Advanced Targeting said: “Our people are able to amplify the impact of our technology through their incredible attention to detail and to customer service. Our teams have won our customers’ trust and admiration through the consistent integrity and expertise they’ve displayed over the years. I am very proud of all they have achieved and this award is a fitting reflection of their outstanding performance.”
Leonardo also collaborates with customers, partners and industry in innovation on products, technologies and our drive to achieve our environmental goals. 
Our Helicopters business is already part of the European Aviation Safety Agency’s working group, exploring pathways for more sustainable aviation towards net zero emissions. This includes plans to share its innovation at the iAero Centre in Yeovil, which will offer space for collaboration and innovation among local aerospace supply chain businesses in a major aerospace technology development project led by Somerset County Council.