Studies
Patents and the Fourth Industrial Revolution: the inventions behind digital transformation
This study, which has been carried out by the EPO in co-operation with the Handelsblatt Research Institute, is intended to provide users of the European patent system and the broader public alike with information about a major technology trend that is being observed across a whole range of technical fields. Known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this trend is primarily driven by the emergence of the Internet of Things. It also encompasses a number of other technologies, such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
Studies
Patents and the Fourth Industrial Revolution: The global technology trends enabling the data-driven economy
This study explains the trends in a variety of digital technologies like faster wireless internet, smart sensors, “big data” and artificial intelligence. Taken together these are transforming healthcare, transport, agriculture and many more sectors – they account for over 10% of all global innovation.