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EPO Observatory launches new work plan for 2026–2027

Release Time：

2025-10-10

The European Patent Office (EPO) has published a new biennial work plan for its Observatory on Patents and Technology, setting out the key topics and activities for 2026 and 2027. Building on the achievements of the first work cycle, the plan is structured around three central themes: improving Europe’s competitiveness by removing barriers to the innovation ecosystem, shaping a better future with technology and empowering innovation actors.

Developed following a public consultation, the work plan 2026–2027 reflects the diverse input of stakeholders across the innovation ecosystem. It presents a forward-looking vision that is anchored in Europe’s broader transformation agenda and closely aligned with key EU strategies, including the Draghi report on EU competitiveness, the EU Competitiveness Compass and the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy. Additionally, the EPO Observatory remains committed to addressing global challenges and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"Every patent is a signal of what’s being developed, where, by whom, and with what potential impact. When used wisely, this intelligence can help Europe act smarter and faster," said EPO President António Campinos. “The EPO Observatory will not only track innovation but help steer it. That means providing small businesses visibility into where innovation is happening and how to be part of it. Enabling investors to detect high-potential ventures before the market does. And equipping public institutions with a shared, informed understanding of the landscape.”

Continuing success, launching new initiatives

The 2026–2027 plan strikes a balance between continuity and new initiatives. While several successful programmes from the first work cycle will continue, including those on innovation financing, support for startups and the patent system's role in the development of technology standards, new programmes have been introduced to reflect evolving challenges and opportunities.

The importance of topics such as dual technologies and artificial intelligence was underlined during the recent public consultation round. In response, the Observatory will launch projects to address questions on how AI is reshaping the future of health care, or whether Europe can compete in the global race for smarter, autonomous drone systems. The projects aim to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the latest transformative advancements in these fields. Other new initiatives will explore topics such as trends in innovation to fight neurodegenerative diseases, and preventing battery waste and re-using critical resources.

Stronger focus on inclusion and digital engagement

Spring 2026 will see the launch of an initiative on women’s careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), providing insights from across Europe into representation and gender equality in both academia and industry. In 2027, a new study on Europe’s capacity to train the next generation of inventors and innovators will map how innovation and entrepreneurship are taught in school curricula.

Digital tools will also play a greater role. The Deep Tech Finder, Technology Investor Score and Patent Standard Explorer will evolve further, and the Observatory will launch a new Digital Library and Data Desk to improve access to its resources. PATSTAT, the EPO's database for advanced analysis of patent data, will be repositioned within the EPO’s new Technology Intelligence Platform (TIP), providing researchers and programmers with more flexibility in presenting global patent data insights. These tools aim to strengthen public outreach, helping stakeholders make informed decisions.

Reinforcing collaboration across Europe

Partnerships remain central to the Observatory’s approach. The EPO will continue to collaborate with its member states, building on the strong engagement seen to date—36 national patent offices currently contribute to the Observatory’s activities. This collaborative model will be carried forward into the 2026–2027 work cycle, with national offices invited to contribute to studies and support Observatory deliverables. The Observatory will also strengthen its collaboration with European institutions, including the European Commission’s Directorate General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD), European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), and European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), as well as with other leading institutions such as the OECD and International Energy Agency. Joint activities will include co-publishing studies that draw on these institutions’ expertise and networks to enhance both impact and quality.

From launch to impact: highlights 2023–2025

Between its launch in 2023 and the end of 2025, the EPO Observatory will have delivered a total of five technology insight reports and twelve economic studies, with over 100 000 downloads to date. The Deep Tech Finder was introduced in web and mobile format, currently featuring more than 10 000 startups, 850 universities and 12 000 investors. Five new technology platforms and three updates were released, drawing more than 150 000 views, while nine public events drew 40 000 views. Outreach was further expanded through podcasts, social media posts, and extensive press coverage that achieved a clean reach of 62 million people. The Observatory’s studies and tools were also widely cited in EU policy reports and industry analyses, underscoring its growing role in supporting Europe’s innovation ecosystem.