France remains the second most innovative country in Europe

Despite the problems linked to energy prices, inflation or the shortage of electronic components, French innovation remained dynamic last year with 10,900 patent applications filed (nearly 2% more over one year ). France thus retains its second place behind Germany, which has nevertheless recorded a drop in requests. Switzerland ranks third with some 9,000 patent applications (+6%).

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Helped by the economic recovery last year, transport remains the most innovative branch. Next come machines, devices and electrical energy, with medical technologies in third place ahead of IT. But French innovation is once again driven by our public research bodies, foremost among which are the CEA (Atomic Energy Commission) and Inserm (National Institute for Health and Medical Research).

The champions are the same as in 2021, but their order on the podium changes. The automotive supplier Valeo takes first place, with patent applications up 18%, and overtakes the electronics and defense giant Safran. Thales is 5th, Renault 10th.

Breakthrough of Brittany

Of the approximately 11,000 patent applications filed in France last year, just over 60% come from Île-de-France, which remains the second most dynamic region at European level behind Bavaria. Then come Rhône-Alpes and Occitanie. Note the significant breakthrough in Brittany, which saw its requests increase by 65% ​​over one year.

Overall, the European Patent Observatory points out that this solid and continued growth in applications is linked to clean technologies. Everyone is working in the same direction. It’s a bit like the fourth industrial revolution that is underway.