According to a new report, the UK is in the top 10 globally for innovation in three key technology areas – automotive, artificial intelligence and telecoms. However, the country is still lagging behind global leaders, suggesting that the UK government needs to do more to close the gap with leading countries The data comes as the new UK Labour government is working to achieve economic growth through public and private investment in science and technology. Industry is calling on the UK to develop an IP strategy to support growth and promote innovation. Implementing these will play a vital role if the UK is to become a global leader.
The report, authored by IP experts and R&D tax credit specialists at Source Advisors, analyzes the UK’s innovation output in three key areas compared to other regions.
The data shows that China and the US continue to dominate the rankings, accounting for more than 50% of all patent applications in each technology area. The UK is currently ranked ninth for automotive patents and eighth for both telecoms and artificial intelligence, a ranking that highlights the need for the UK to strengthen innovation in these areas. Over the last decade, the UK has filed 2.01% of the total number of automotive patents worldwide, four times lower than its near neighbor Germany and three times lower than the European Patent Office.
The UK also falls short in the field of telecoms, with only 1.85% of global telecoms patents filed. The number of telecoms patents filed in Germany has more than doubled since 2010. The US, the world leader in this field, has 18 times as many telecoms innovations as the UK.
Last month, following Labour’s election win, experts called on the new UK government to advance innovation through new discussions and policies. luke Hamm, Managing Director of Source Advisors, said, “Now that the election is over and the new government has got down to business, it is important that the government reflects its commitment to delivering economic growth in its actual policies. “
Akshay Thaman, IP consultant and head of policy, commented: “This research shows that the UK ranks at the bottom of the top ten for patent filings in the automotive, telecoms and artificial intelligence sectors. Ultimately, it highlights the work that needs to be undertaken by the incoming government so that the UK can truly compete on the world stage.”