Austria's patent filings surge 5% in 2025, beating EU and global growth

Austria's patent activity rebounded in 2025 after two years of decline. The country recorded a 5% rise in filings, outpacing both the EU and global averages. This growth comes alongside ongoing efforts to boost innovation in key industries.

In 2025, Austria submitted 2,253 new patent applications to the European Patent Office. This marked a 5% increase, reversing a downward trend from previous years. The growth rate surpassed the EU average of 0.7% and the global figure of 2.1%.

Specialised machinery, particularly components for 3D printers, saw the strongest gains. Austrian companies led the way, with Borealis filing 173 applications and Voestalpine submitting 85. Overall, Austria ranked 16th globally and 10th within the EU for patent applications. With 245 filings per million inhabitants, it also placed 8th worldwide for per capita innovation.

The country's industrial strategy now prioritises fields like AI, semiconductors, and robotics. However, challenges remain, including a lack of venture capital for startups and young entrepreneurs. Women also remain underrepresented, making up just 17% of inventors—far below the EU average of 26% and Spain's leading figure of 42%.

Globally, the top five countries for European patent applications were the USA, Germany, China, Japan, and South Korea. While China saw a 9.7% increase, Austria's moderate growth stood out within the EU.

Austria's patent growth reflects a recovery in innovation, particularly in high-tech sectors. The country's strong per capita performance highlights its competitive edge in research and development. However, gaps in funding and gender representation remain key areas for improvement.