Research and innovation in big data in the air force equipment and technologies sector has declined in the last year.

The most recent figures show that the number of big data related patent applications in the industry stood at 13 in the three months ending June – down from 22 over the same period in 2021.

Figures for patent grants related to big data followed a similar pattern to filings – shrinking from 18 in the three months ending June 2021 to 6 in the same period in 2022.

The figures are compiled by GlobalData, who track patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Using textual analysis, as well as official patent classifications, these patents are grouped into key thematic areas, and linked to key companies across various industries.

Big data is one of the key areas tracked by GlobalData. It has been identified as being a key disruptive force facing companies in the coming years, and is one of the areas that companies investing resources in now are expected to reap rewards from.

The figures also provide an insight into the largest innovators in the sector.

Raytheon Technologies Corp was the top big data innovator in the air force equipment and technologies sector in the latest quarter. The company, which has its headquarters in the United States, filed 9 big data related patents in the three months ending June. That was up from 8 over the same period in 2021.

It was followed by the United States based The Boeing Co with 2 big data patent applications, the Netherlands based Airbus SE (1 applications), and China based Aerospace New Long March Electric Vehicle Technology Co Ltd (1 applications).