Chief Economist
The EPO Chief Economist unit aims to provide high-level expertise and analysis and to foster well-informed policy debate on issues relating to patents, innovation and economic growth. It develops projects to help the EPO understand better how patents are used and what their economic impact is. Externally it promotes the EPO as a major player in the public arena (in academia, expert forums and the press, among policymakers, etc.).
The current Chief Economist is Yann Ménière (contact: chiefeconomist@epo.org).
EPO innovation case studies
Three new case studies from the EPO highlight the role of patents in growing businesses that are developing technologies to detect, diagnose and treat cancer. According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the first or second leading cause of death of under 70-year-olds in over 100 countries and more medical innovation is desperately needed.
Hydrogen patents for a clean energy future: A global trend analysis of innovation along hydrogen value chains
This study jointly prepared by the EPO and the IEA provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving hydrogen technology landscape using patent data as a measure of innovation.
Women’s participation in inventive activity: Evidence from EPO data
This study provides evidence on the presence of women inventors in different EPO countries, indicating a persistent gender gap in patenting in Europe and suggesting ways to close it.
Economic research agenda
The Chief Economist unit aims to produce evidence-based research and advanced analysis on a range of policy issues relevant to the EPO.
- Role of patents in economic growth, performance and employment
- Economic analysis of the European patent system and the expected impact of the forthcoming unitary patent and Unified Patent Court
- Development of new patent-based indicators and analysis of trends and policy issues, particularly in technology fields related to climate change and Industry 4.0
- Economic analysis of the role of patents in the development of markets for technology
Main external partner organisations
- Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO)
- European Commission (EC)
- European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)
- International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD)
- • National and international patent offices
- Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)