Belgian companies and researchers file record number of European patent applications
Belgian companies, universities and research institutions filed a record 2,615 patent applications to the European Patent Office (EPO) in 2024. 66 per cent of applications came from Flanders, which ranks ninth among European regions for the number of patent applications.
A total of 199,264 applications were filed last year, a slight decrease of 0.1 per cent compared to 2023. For the first time, computer technology, including AI applications, was the most active field.
“European innovation remains robust despite global economic uncertainties,” said the EPO. “The patent data provides a clear roadmap for industry, policy and investment priorities.”
Notable growth
Belgium recorded an increase of 1.1 per cent was recorded in 2024. Over 10 years, there has been a 28 per cent increase in the number of patent applications. Globally, Belgium accounts for 1.3 per cent of all applications and ranks 12th in the world.
The three main areas were biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and materials/metallurgy. The last category recorded an increase of 39.7 per cent. Other sectors with notable growth rates were transport and special machinery, such as 3D printing.
Most applications from Belgium – about 66 per cent – came from Flanders. This puts the region in ninth place in the list of European regions in terms of applications. The strongest growth, with 51 per cent, came in Brussels.
Research institute imec was the most active Belgian applicant last year, with 203 applications, followed by chemical company Syensqo and materials specialist Umicore. KU Leuven, Ghent University, Antwerp University and Flemish research institute VITO are also in the top 10.
A notable trend is the rise of female inventors. In Europe, they account for a quarter of all patent applications, and almost one in three in Belgium. Only Spain is ahead of Belgium in this respect.
A researcher at Leuven research centre imec © BELGA PHOTO LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ
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