The Netherlands on the world map of innovation - just look at patent applications
In a series of blog posts, Marco Coolen gives an insight into his work as a Dutch and European patent attorney at AOMB.
Published on December 1, 2024
The country is small, but Dutch input is large when it comes to patents.
After having graduated from his study at the TU/e Eindhoven in 1998, Marco entered into service at Philips. In 2003, he successfully finished his MBA, after which he filled different technical and commercial management positions at Philips and Océ. Since September 2013, he has been working at AOMB as a patent attorney. He is registered as a Dutch and European Patent attorney since 2017. On IO+, he shares his knowledge on the world of patents. How do they work, why are they important, but also: when do they lose their usefulness?
The Netherlands has shown it once again: despite our small size, we are ranked tenth worldwide for patent applications outside our own country. This is a major achievement and underscores the strength of our innovation climate. With only a fraction of the population of most other countries in the top ten of the World Intellectual Property Organization, the Netherlands proves that it is not size but quality that counts.
These figures make it especially clear that we are not just focusing on domestic innovation. Dutch companies, universities, and research institutes are consciously looking beyond national borders. They understand that the real opportunities often lie internationally and that protecting intellectual property is crucial to seizing those opportunities.
© WIPO / Marco Coolen
Growth versus shrinkage
Zooming in further on the numbers, things get even more interesting. The Netherlands saw total patent applications grow by 2.4%. That places us just behind the U.S. (2.5%) and well above countries such as Germany (1.4%) and the U.K. (0.8%). France, on the other hand, even experienced a contraction of 3.2%. This shows that the Netherlands is not only innovating, but continues to make targeted investments in protecting and valorizing those innovations.
This growth tells us that our innovation climate is not standing still. On the contrary, it is growing and developing despite economic uncertainties and global challenges. This is essential because innovation is not only an engine for economic growth but also a key to solutions for societal problems.
Incubator for innovation
Playing on the world stage of innovation requires more than good ideas. It requires a strong ecosystem in which companies, knowledge institutions, and governments work together to make innovation possible. The Netherlands has that ecosystem. From tech startups in Eindhoven, Enschede, and Delft to world leaders in agricultural technology in Wageningen, we know how to work together to turn ideas into impact.
The World of Patents
With the help of Dutch and European patent attorney Marco Coolen (AOMB), we better understand the world of patents. How do they work, why are they important, but also: when do they lose their usefulness?
View The World of Patents SeriesWhat makes the Netherlands unique is that a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing supports this ecosystem. This is not a given. In many countries, we see a more fragmented approach, while the Netherlands exploits the power of connection. This is reflected in the results.
Why these figures matter
That the Netherlands is in the top ten is not just a nice statistic. It shows that we as a country are thinking strategically about our position in the world. After all, a patent is more than just legal protection. It signals to the market, investors and partners that an innovation should be taken seriously. By applying for patents internationally, we enable Dutch companies to position themselves as innovative leaders worldwide.
The message for entrepreneurs
These figures are an important wake-up call for entrepreneurs who want to protect and internationalize their ideas. The Netherlands not only has the knowledge and resources to enable innovation but also a proven track record in seizing international opportunities. If you are an entrepreneur still unsure about the importance of patents or the value of international protection, let these figures encourage you.
The Netherlands is playing on the world stage of innovation, and you, as an entrepreneur, can be a part of that. See it as an opportunity! Protect your ideas, think internationally, and be part of the success story of the Netherlands as a breeding ground for innovation.