Europe at forefront of innovation in water technologies

Munich, 18 July 2024 – Europe is leading globally in the development of new technologies in the water sector, according to a study published today by the European Patent Office (EPO). The report, which looks at international patent families (IPFs), finds that companies, researchers and inventors from the EPO’s 39 member states accounted for 40% of all IPFs in water-related technologies in 1992-2021. European inventors lead in all major areas of water tech, from potable water harvesting and efficient water use to wastewater treatment and flood protection.

According to the United Nations, 2.2 billion people lacked access to safely managed drinking water in 2022, and 3.5 billion lacked safe sanitation services. In addition, droughts and floods cause large numbers of deaths and billions in economic losses every year.

“Water is one of our most precious resources,” said EPO President António Campinos. "Given the threats posed by climate change, innovation needs to grow even faster in the coming decades – in both the supply of water and protection from water-related hazards. Our new study and tools provide policymakers and the public with high-quality data and analysis of the water technology landscape, and support inventors in developing innovative solutions to meet our water challenges."