AeronauticsSustainable Innovation at ALTEN: From 4% to 36% of R&D Projects
A tool that reduces the carbon impact of transport infrastructure, a system that optimises a factory’s energy consumption, an instant translation solution for French sign language: at ALTEN, these projects share a common thread. Each year, they are recorded under the same indicator, the sustainable innovation rate, which reached 36% in 2025.
What is sustainable innovation at ALTEN?
Sustainable innovation covers innovation and R&D activities that contribute to environmental objectives (energy efficiency, decarbonisation, circular economy) or social objectives (inclusion, health, workplace safety). This definition has broadened over time: initially focused on environmental innovation, it now equally includes social and health issues.
ALTEN Labs and the Smart Digital programme: driving sustainable innovation
The subject began with ALTEN Labs, created in 2016 and brought together in 2019 under the Innovation Department. Their work is now structured around nine research programmes grouped under the name Smart Digital, covering all of the Group’s business sectors. These programmes initially focused on environmental innovation: energy efficiency, waste reduction, decarbonising mobility, and circular economy principles built in from the design stage, as seen in Smart Mobility, which reduces the carbon impact of transport infrastructure, or Green Factory, which optimises energy consumption in factories.
More recently, this definition has broadened to include social, safety and health issues: inclusion of people with disabilities, prevention of occupational risks, and medical innovations. The instant French sign language translation system developed by the Labs, and virtual reality applications designed to improve workplace ergonomics, illustrate this second strand of sustainable innovation.
How is the ALTEN sustainable innovation rate calculated?
The 36% rate draws on two sources: internal R&D led by ALTEN Labs, and innovation projects carried out for clients. Both sources are analysed using the same method, producing a single figure that can be compared from one year to the next. This analysis now covers 83% of all the Group’s projects, combining Labs and client assignments: client projects therefore contribute directly to building the sustainable innovation rate, on the same footing as internal R&D projects.
To calculate this rate, R&D and innovation activities are analysed using a common method. They are classified into different innovation categories, and the time devoted to them is taken into account. This approach, applied every year using the same criteria, makes it possible to track the evolution of sustainable innovation across the Group’s activities.
A rate driven by client demand
The year-on-year progression of the rate (4% in 2018, 31% in 2024, 36% in 2025) reflects the growing presence of environmental, social, health and safety issues within the innovation and R&D activities analysed. It also reflects a shift among clients: a growing number now ask for these issues to be considered from the design stage of their projects.
Why sustainable innovation matters for ALTEN
This approach reflects a conviction: sustainable innovation is a strategic focus in its own right. It shapes the way ALTEN supports its clients in reaching their own sustainability goals, while also building the expertise of its teams.
Sustainable innovation rate at ALTEN, year on year
| Year | Sustainable innovation rate |
| 2018 | 4% |
| 2019 | 11% |
| 2020 | 19% |
| 2021 | 22% |
| 2022 | 25% |
| 2023 | 31% |
| 2024 | 31% |
| 2025 | 36% |