Innovation in Geneva –“Almost two thirds of patents come from Asia”
Among the 1040 companies in the running at the Inventions Fair, Asian giants dominate. Switzerland, despite few stands, “remains the country with the most innovations per capita in Europe”.
Posted today at 6.30 p.m.
The Geneva International Inventions Show is the biggest event dedicated to inventions and innovation
CYRIL ZINGARO
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This weekend, walking at Palexpo was like traveling from one corner of the world to another. It was enough to get around a stand to go from China to the Middle East …
An interest which should attract 25,000 visitors during this 50e edition of Invention Fairwhich will end on Sunday.
This event confirms an increasingly obvious trend: some Asian countries invest significantly in innovation. Result: around 70% of 1040 stands come from China, Hong Kong, Thailand, but also from Saudi Arabia. Europe is thus relegated to a minority position.
“The fair reflects the global distribution”
The president of the jury, David Taji, specifies: “This year, more than 2 million patents out of 3 and a half come from Asia. The Geneva Inventions Show simply reflects this world distribution. ”
Saudi stands also attract the public. An exhibitor shows an ultra -light rescue vest with automatic triggering: “Our country wants to diversify its oil economy. The government finances projects to stimulate research. We are proud of our results. ”
According to the president of the jury, Saudi Arabia invests more and more in the medical and paramedical sector, now predominant at the show. “Health -related inventions represent almost 30% of the total. Twenty years ago, recycling and the environment prevailed. ”
A strong Senegalese presence
Also present, also, Senegal aligns a dozen stands. Engineers and professors underline the will of the new regime: “We present inventions which seem banal to Europeans, but which have revolutionized the life of many Senegalese, as a centrifuge to extract the pulp from the fruit of the fruit DUNKH.»
More than 1050 inventions, all areas combined, were presented at the inventions fair, and entertainment and conferences on innovation offered to the public.
CYRIL ZINGARO
“The Chinese and Hong Kong presence is explained by the fact that a medal in Geneva can open new state funding,” says Caroline Simonet, director of the show. This recognition is often decisive for them. “
“Many hesitate to register”
In Europe, prints are contrasting. An Italian inventor, the only representative of his country, feels isolated: “Where are the others?” Many hesitate, because Asian competition seems difficult to overcome. ”
A member of the French Federation of inventors regrets: “We do not miss ideas, but it takes more support.”
The presence of ESA is the great novelty of this year. Guest of honor for its 50th anniversary, “the European space agency plays an essential role in the creation of technologies intended for the private sector and industry, to which we lend our patents for free. The lounge offers a unique showcase, ”says an ESA framework.
Some visitors are nostalgic. This is the case of Jean-Pierre and Danielle. Present thirty years ago, they evoke a very different landscape: “At the time, Europe dominated. We saw more small inventors; Today, it takes significant capital. ”
This evolution does not mean a total decline in the old continent. Several exhibitors, however, deem it necessary to rethink investment strategies to relaunch innovation in Europe.
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