1、epo.orgepo.orgInnovation in water-related technologiesJuly 2024INNOVATION IN WATER-RELATED TECHNOLOGIESepo.org|02ForewordWater is one of our most precious resources.Yet under the increasing impact of climate change,society now faces major challenges not only in terms of water supply,but also of floo

2、ding.At one extreme,2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water,as UNESCO reports in their latest Water Development Report.Droughts are becoming more severe and persistent on a global scale.At the other extreme,devastating floods are increasingly frequent and destructive.Technological inno

3、vation on both fronts,to improve water supply where it is lacking or threatened,and to provide protection against water-related hazards,is thus critical and urgent.The EPO,with its comprehensive patent databases,is well positioned to shed light on the innovation landscape surrounding these topics.We

4、 are hopeful that our work will be useful and valuable for everyone with a stake in water,be they inventors,researchers,policymakers or the general public.The results of our study on water-related technologies convey a mixed message:while these technologies are steadily advancing,often supported by

5、new or changing regulations,more needs to be done to meet the challenges we face.Europe is an innovation powerhouse in this regard,with applicants from the EPOs 39 member states accounting for 40%of all international patent families concerning water-related technologies and exhibiting a fairly high

6、level of specialisation.This is encouraged by policy measures and the evolution of the regulatory framework in Europe and worldwide.Several European countries actively promote research and innovation in the water sector through targeted policies.At the same time,other countries outside Europe like A