Norwegian patent applications and their role in the innovation ecosystem

Patent applications serve as an important barometer of a nation’s innovative capability and its capacity for technological progress. The act of seeking patent protection is often the culmination of research and development efforts and represents a tangible output of inventive activity, but also a strategic choice in the business development of a company, often in relation to exporting activities. Patent applications, when granted, not only provide legal safeguards for intellectual property but also act as catalysts for economic competitiveness, especially in export markets. 

The past 4 years have seen a decrease in the number of patent applications filed by individuals and entities residing in Norway. Data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) reveals a decrease in total patent applications (encompassing both resident and applications filed abroad) from 5,042 in 2019 to 4,740 in 2023, representing a 6.0% reduction over this five-year period. The number of resident patent applications per million inhabitants in Norway indicates a relatively moderate level of domestic patenting activity when adjusted for population size. The simultaneous decline in both resident and abroad applications implies a potential shift in either the rate of invention or the propensity of Norwegian entities to seek patent protection for their innovations, both domestically and internationally. This broad pattern suggests that the factors influencing this trend are likely systemic rather than specific to one type of patent application strategy, which makes System Dynamics the methodology of choice for analyzing the problem.

Funding

Public sector PhD project, a collaboration between the Norwegian Industrial Property Office, the University of Bergen and the Research Council of Norway.