New research study on technology patents progress in developing EU countries

Abstract

Technology innovation activities in developing countries can spur new opportunities for faster development of an industry, economy and better living standards. On the other hand, they can also mean a loss of financial resources designed for primary needs of the society, an excessive burden on the environment or new health risks for the population. This analysis complements our long-term research so as to promote positive, safe, efficient and environment-friendly technology innovation in the EU. The main goal of this research is to analyse technology innovation in the developing EU countries, mainly by the WIPO patent analysis (1980-2014), compared with selected indicators and related determinants. In terms of the main research methodology, our calculated and summarised patenting data were completed by the bibliometric analysis of technology innovation activities of these countries to identify relevant trends. For better benchmarking, as the key indicators of a national technological performance were chosen: granted technology patents, compared with other indicators such as a number of utility models, industrial designs, and trademarks. According to our study, the most successful technology-developing countries of the EU are particularly Poland, Hungary, Romania as well as Greece and Bulgaria. Why is this so? We will also include our study mainly focused on the developing EU countries.