The European Patent Office (EPO) has released the new 2026–2027 biannual work programme of its Observatory on Patents and Technology (“the Observatory”), outlining key focus areas and planned activities for the next two years. Building on the achievements of its first work cycle, the programme centers on three core themes: enhancing European competitiveness by removing barriers within the innovation ecosystem, shaping a better future through technology, and empowering innovation actors.

Developed following a public consultation, the 2026–2027 work programme reflects the diverse needs of stakeholders across the innovation landscape. It sets forth a forward-looking vision aligned with Europe’s broader transformation agenda and closely linked to major EU strategies, including former ECB President Mario Draghi’s report “The Future of European Competitiveness”, the EU Competitiveness Deal, and the EU Strategy on Start-ups and Scale-ups. In addition, the EPO Observatory remains committed to addressing global challenges and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

EPO President António Campinos stated:
“Every patent is a signal that reveals innovation trends, geographic distribution, ownership, and potential impact. When used effectively, this intelligence helps Europe act with greater agility and efficiency.”
He emphasized that the Observatory will not only track innovation but also help guide it—enabling small businesses to understand where innovation is happening and how to participate, allowing investors to identify high-potential companies ahead of the market, and providing public institutions with a consensus-based, holistic view.

Sustained Success with New Initiatives

The 2026–2027 work programme strikes a balance between continuity and new initiatives. Several successful projects from the first cycle—such as innovation financing, support for start-ups, and the role of the patent system in technical standard-setting—will continue. At the same time, new projects have been introduced to reflect evolving challenges and opportunities.

During the recent public consultation, topics such as dual-use technologies and artificial intelligence were highlighted as priorities. In response, the Observatory will launch new projects examining critical questions, including how AI is reshaping the future of healthcare and whether Europe can remain competitive in the global race for intelligent autonomous drone systems. These initiatives aim to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of transformative developments in these areas.

Other new projects will explore innovation trends in combating neurodegenerative diseases, battery waste management, and critical-resource recycling.

Strengthening Inclusiveness and Digital Participation

In spring 2026, the Observatory will launch an initiative focusing on the career development of women in STEM fields, offering insights into representation and gender equality across academia and industry in Europe. In 2027, a new study on Europe’s capacity to foster the next generation of inventors and innovators will systematically examine the integration of innovation and entrepreneurship education in academic curricula.

Digital engagement tools will be further expanded. The Deep Tech Finder, the Technology Investor Score, and the Patent Standard Explorer will undergo major enhancements. Additionally, the Observatory will introduce a new digital library and data workbench to improve access to resources.

The EPO’s advanced patent data analysis database, PATSTAT, will be repositioned within the new Technology Intelligence Platform (TIP), giving researchers and developers more flexible access to global patent insights. These tools aim to deepen public engagement and support stakeholders in making informed decisions.

Strengthening Collaboration Across Europe

Partnerships remain central to the Observatory’s work. The EPO will continue advancing collaboration with its member states, building on the strong foundation already established with 36 participating national patent offices. This collaborative model will continue into the 2026–2027 cycle, with national offices invited to take part in research and support the Observatory’s outputs.

The Observatory will also enhance cooperation with key European institutions—including the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD), the European Innovation Council and EISMEA, the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT)—as well as international organizations such as the OECD and the International Energy Agency (IEA). Collaboration will involve co-publishing research and integrating expertise and networks to maximize impact and research quality.

From Launch to Impact: Highlights from 2023–2025

Since its launch in 2023 and through the end of 2025, the EPO Observatory will have produced five technology insight reports and twelve economic studies, with total downloads exceeding 100,000.

The Deep Tech Finder, now available on both web and mobile platforms, includes:

over 10,000 start-ups,

850 universities, and

12,000 investors.

The Observatory has released five new technology platforms and three major updates, attracting a total of 150,000 visits, while nine public events have drawn 40,000 participants.

Through podcasts, social media outreach, and extensive media coverage, the Observatory’s communications activities have reached 62 million people. Its research and tools are now widely cited in EU policy reports and industry analyses, underscoring its growing role in supporting Europe’s innovation ecosystem.

Source:https://ipr.mofcom.gov.cn/article/gjxw/lfdt/oz/qtoz/202511/1993897.html