A new PPMI | Part of the Verian Group project commissioned by the European Commission will focus a critical assessment of patenting and intellectual property (IP) dynamics in the rapidly evolving domain of advanced materials. The study, led by a consortium comprising PPMI | Part of the Verian Group, IDEA Consult, and INCENTiM-KU Leuven, will examine how European enterprises, universities, and research institutions protect and exploit their innovations, and how these practices compare with those of leading global actors, notably the United States and China.
This work is being undertaken at a crucial juncture for European industry. While Europe maintains a strong scientific and research base, its share of global patents in advanced materials has shown a declining trend. The study will explore the underlying factors contributing to this development, including the fragmentation of IP frameworks, the suboptimal commercialisation of academic research outputs, and the relatively low engagement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in IP protection.
In addition to conventional patenting practices, the analysis will assess the use of alternative IP strategies such as trade secrets, and will consider the potential value of EU-supported mechanisms, including patent pools and IP clearinghouses. The project will apply a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative patent data analysis with qualitative insights gathered through stakeholder surveys and semi-structured interviews. This methodology will enable a nuanced understanding of the practical obstacles and strategic decisions that shape IP utilisation across Europe's advanced materials ecosystem.
The outcomes of the study will inform evidence-based policy options aimed at strengthening innovation uptake, improving the valorisation of intellectual property, and enhancing the global competitiveness of the European advanced materials sector.
