Women in science and the global economy: Is it time for change? Join the EPO’s virtual roundtable discussions

The share of women inventors in the world of science and technology has increased steadily in recent decades, but there is still a long way to go to reach gender parity. While some technology sectors stand out for a relatively higher share of women, other sectors lag behind. Society needs more than ever to strengthen the presence of women in the industries driving innovation, encouraging girls to take up STEM careers and play an active role in the global economy.

Ahead of the launch later this month of our study "Women's participation in inventive activity: evidence from EPO data" the European Patent Office is hosting "Women and IP innovation ", a series of virtual roundtables to discuss the barriers to overcoming the gender gap and potential measures to enhance women's contributions to innovation. The events will gather outstanding women inventors, heads of international patent offices, patent attorneys and representatives of academia.

Panel 1: ‘Building the pipeline: women studying STEM' on 16 November will be moderated by Roberta Romano-Götsch, Chief Sustainability Officer at the EPO, and will count with the participation of the EPO Chief Economist, Yann Ménière, co-author of the EPO's upcoming study.

Panel 2: ‘Getting international: a global solution for women scientists?' will take place on 23 November and will focus on the key international aspect for taking up STEM careers. The discussion will be led by Steve Rowan, EPO Vice-President Patent Granting Process.

Panel 3: ‘Teaming up: the key towards gender equality' will be streamed on 30 November, and will be moderated by Nellie Simon, Vice-President of the EPO's Directorate-General Corporate Services.

Stay tuned via the EPO's social media channels for information on how to join the panel discussions.

Further information:

Read our feature story on Women inventors