Collaboration with European actors
Europe is at a pivotal moment in shaping its global competitiveness. Recent high-level reports by Mario Draghi, Enrico Letta and Manuel Heitor highlight the central role of innovation and research in securing Europe’s strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty. Key policy frameworks such as the European Green Deal and the Competitive Compass also underline the need for strategic investment in research and development with a view to rebuilding a strong industrial base.
Through its Observatory on Patents and Technology, the European Patent Office contributes actively to this agenda by providing evidence-based insights and working with key public institutions across Europe. With a permanent presence in Brussels, the EPO maintains close dialogue with European Union (EU) institutions and a broad network of European and international stakeholders.
Through its Brussels Office, the EPO collaborates with different institutions across Europe. Here are some highlights:
- Collaboration with the European Commission
The EPO has a longstanding collaboration with the European Commission and its various Directorate-Generals (DGs). In particular, we have forged a close relationship with the DG Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW), for example, in the context of setting up the European Unitary Patent system.
In addition, given the importance of innovation, deep tech startups and research universities, the EPO formalised its close collaboration with the Commission’s Research and Innovation DG (RTD) through a co-operation agreement in September 2024.
- Collaboration with the EIC
The EPO and the EISMEA (European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency) collaborate to strengthen innovation, with the Observatory and EIC Programme Managers participating in joint events like the EIC Summit and promoting the use of EPO intelligence and insights. The EIC also promotes the Observatory’s studies, events and tools such as the Deep Tech Finder to its community of EIC grantees.
Supporting the evaluation of proposals with IP expertise
As part of close collaboration with the EIC, EPO patent examiners assist EIC jury members in evaluating 200+ projects for funding and patentability analysis, improving their chances of success. This partnership bridges IP expertise with EIC funding. It helps European startups to secure patents and bring innovations to market, strengthening Europe’s global competitiveness.
- Collaboration with the EIT
The EPO and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) formalised their co-operation in 2022 with an MoU, building on collaboration since 2018. The EIT fosters innovation through its knowledge and innovation communities (KICs), connecting businesses, start-ups, SMEs, universities and research organisations.
The EPO and the EIT collaborate on IP awareness, education, business support and technology trends. The EPO Observatory regularly exchanges insights with EIT innovation and business creation managers, identifying common interests, supporting studies and promoting data tools. Future contributions from EIT KIC experts will further enrich the EPO’s digital library and look at how to feature EIT Deep Tech start-ups in the EPO’s tools.
- Joint publications with European and international institutions
The EPO is also active in engaging with other actors like the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the International Energy Agency (IEA), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Southern Observatory (ESO). The Observatory works with these entities on joint publications in specific technological fields and topics related to innovation, as well as through its participation in events and other outreach activities.
Recent joint economic studies and technology insight reports with European partners include:
Patents, trade marks and startup finance - EUIPO
Patents for enhanced electricity grids – IEA
Space technologies: tracking innovation and startup development – ESA and ESO
Financing and commercialisation of cleantech innovation - EIB
About the Brussels Office
Since 1993, the EPO’s Brussels office has given it a permanent presence and active voice within the EU ecosystem. As the main contact point for EU institutions, stakeholders and research bodies, it fosters continuous engagement and integration into EPO activities. Strategically positioned, the Brussels office promotes the EPO’s work, including the Observatory’s initiatives.
Address
EPO - Brussels Office
Avenue de Cortenbergh 89
1000 Brussels
Belgium
brussels@epo.org