Which are the most innovative countries in transportation?

The WIPO study also reveals that 82% of transportation innovations over the past two decades have been concentrated in the land sector, accounting for 906,000 patents.

This is followed by air transportation with 12% (132,000 patents), space transportation with 7% (75,000), and maritime transportation with 4% (47,000).

One of the most notable aspects of the report is the exponential growth of innovation in sustainable propulsion. Technologies such as electric vehicle batteries and hydrogen fuel cells have gained prominence as countries seek alternatives to fossil fuels and commit to reducing carbon emissions.

In contrast, the development of internal combustion engines and other fossil fuel-based systems has shown a much more modest average growth of 4% per year and has remained stagnant since 2018.

WIPO highlights the economic relevance of the transportation sector, which represents between 6% and 12% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in many countries. However, it also warns about its environmental impact, as transportation is responsible for 23% of greenhouse gas emissions derived from energy use.

Faced with this challenge, the future of transportation is marked by a transformation toward more efficient and sustainable systems. As WIPO Director General Daren Tang emphasized: “Nations around the world are striving to achieve net-zero emissions and create new forms of connectivity. At this crucial juncture, bold thinking and collective action are needed.”

Technological development in the transportation sector will continue to evolve rapidly in the coming years, driven by the growing need for more sustainable and efficient solutions. In this context, the nations and companies leading innovation in this field will not only define the future of mobility but will also play a key role in the transition to a greener and more connected world.