Asus Makes ‘Most Desired’ list 11 years in a row
TORONTO — Electronics giant ASUS has secured two major industry recognitions this week, appearing on both Fortune’s 2026 World’s Most Admired Companies list and Clarivate’s Top 100 Global Innovators 2026.
The dual accolades highlight a period of aggressive expansion for the company, particularly in the sectors of artificial intelligence (AI) and telecommunications infrastructure.
Sustained Global Reputation
For the 11th year, ASUS has been named in Fortune’s “Most Admired” list, a ranking based on a survey of 3,700 executives and analysts. The company was evaluated across nine criteria, including management quality, product reliability, and social responsibility.
ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih attributed the company’s staying power to a “Design Thinking” philosophy, which he noted has become the guiding framework for the company’s transition into AI-integrated hardware. “In the era of AI, we approach every decision with care and responsibility,” Shih stated, emphasizing that user well-being remains the primary metric for their technical choices.
A Surge in Intellectual Property
Coinciding with the Fortune announcement, Clarivate recognized ASUS as one of the world’s Top 100 Global Innovators. This ranking is strictly data-driven, measuring the volume, success, and influence of a company’s patent portfolio.
According to the report, ASUS has significantly broadened its research and development (R&D) footprint. As of late 2025, the company held 9,761 patents, with 342 secured in the first three quarters of 2025 alone.
“We are expanding our patent portfolio beyond hardware into frontier fields like 5G and AI,” said S.Y. Hsu, ASUS Co-CEO. “By collaborating closely with academia, we continue to demonstrate our global influence in patents.”
Shift Toward AI and Connectivity
The reports highlight a strategic shift in ASUS’s R&D focus, moving from traditional consumer electronics toward high-end communication standards and cybersecurity. Key data points from the company’s recent patent activity include:
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5G Leadership: ASUS has declared 416 Standard-Essential-Patent (SEP) families with the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), positioning itself as a key player in global 5G infrastructure.
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AI Ecosystem: The company’s recent “Ubiquitous AI” strategy was showcased at CES 2026 through products like the Zenbook DUO and ExpertBook Ultra, which utilize local generative AI capabilities.
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Diversified Tech: Patent filings now cover non-traditional areas for the brand, including post-quantum cryptography, medical information platforms, and IoT solutions.
Analysis: Market Impact
The combination of high brand admiration and a robust patent portfolio suggests that ASUS is successfully navigating the transition from a hardware manufacturer to a diversified technology firm. While Fortune measures how the industry perceives the company, the Clarivate ranking confirms the technical foundation supporting that reputation.
As the PC market increasingly relies on AI features to drive upgrades, ASUS’s focus on intellectual property in “frontier fields” may provide a competitive moat against rivals focusing solely on assembly and design.
