A new study has found that Europe is leading the way when it comes to innovation activity to develop the main 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies.
Published by the European Patent Office, the study, which is entitled ‘Patents and the 4th Industrial Revolution’, confirms that more patents relating to 4IR technologies originated in Europe in 2016 than from any other area of the world. The analysis is based on data about patent filings in three core areas – ICT to create connected objects; enabling technologies such as artificial intelligence and user interfaces and key areas of application such as vehicles, entertainment and the home.
Data provided by the study shows that 29 percent of all EPO patent filings relating to core 4IR technologies originated in Europe, compared to 25 percent in the US and 18 percent in Japan. Closer analysis of filing activity reveals that most of this innovation activity originated in Germany (8 percent), followed by France (6 percent) and the UK (3 percent).
Karl Barnfather, chairman at intellectual property firm, Withers & Rogers, comments:
“Filing activity in the area of smart connected devices really took off in the mid-1990s and since then inventors of core technologies have secured a strong foundation of global patents, which is now providing a springboard for a second and third wave of innovation.
“There is a massive opportunity for UK-based innovators of second and third tier technologies to capitalise on the work that has been achieved to date; developing novel apps or interface systems that will help to make smart connected devices part of our everyday lives. However, there is a race to market and it is important that innovators don’t lose out and secure commercial protection for their inventions.
“The Government’s Industrial Strategy White Paper has set aside funding for the ongoing development of 4IR technologies, which is positive news for innovators at all levels and there is an opportunity now for the UK to extend its share of this rapidly-expanding marketplace.”
