Amer Sports' R&D

Amer Sports’ strategy emphasizes excellence in consumer-centric product creation. Through continuous research and development, Amer Sports seeks to develop new and better sporting goods that appeal to consumers and its trade customers.

In-depth knowledge of each of the sports and outdoor activities we support, together with an in-depth understanding of consumers, are key in bringing new and innovative products to market. Amer Sports’ experienced research and development personnel have a comprehensive understanding of the activity for which they develop products.

  1. We are a global company but develop products that meet the needs on a local level.
  2. We develop products that are used by the best athletes in the world but also by the recreational and youth athletes.

Continuous development of products, efficiency and cooperation

As is typical in the sporting goods industry, a substantial portion of Amer Sports’ net sales are generated by products that are in their first year of existence. Successful research and development is therefore an important element in the Group’s business activities, and we seek to continually introduce new and technologically-advanced products that respond to the needs and wishes of consumers and our trade customers.


Performance and functionality are the key drivers in developing the Group’s sports equipment, apparel and footwear. As products in the Amer Sports’ offering are essential for participation in many different activities in sports and outdoor life, the fundamental focus of our product design is functionality, but aesthetic considerations are also important. The Group develops and tests new products and concepts with top athletes. Amer Sports’ experts also cooperate with universities and research groups when developing new products and associated materials. Effective collaboration with raw material suppliers also generates new types of product solutions.

Collaborating across units

The Group has seven R&D and design sites globally serving different business areas as well as increasingly collaborating across units. A total of EUR 64.2 million was invested in research and development in 2011, accounting for 9.2% of all operating expenses. Winter and Outdoor's share of the R&D expenditure was 66%, while Ball Sports accounted for 13% and Fitness for 21%.

On December 31, 2011, 583 persons were employed in the company’s research and development activities, approximately 8% of the total number of people employed by Amer Sports.