Dn a recent study by the European Patent Office (EPO), Belgium has established itself as a key player in technological investment in Europe. With a number two place behind Switzerland according to the Technology Investor Score (TIS), the country demonstrates an ability to capitalize on patented innovation. This strategic positioning raises promising prospects for the economic future of the country and Europe.
A methodology for measuring innovation
The European Patent Office developed the TIS to assess the percentage of patented companies in investors’ portfolios. The analysis covers more than 6,100 investors active in Europe between 2020 and 2023, a period marked by global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, but also by a renewed interest in innovative technologies.
In Belgium, nearly 88% of investors hold companies that have filed patents, and 8% of them concentrate more than half of their portfolios on this type of company. These figures reflect a proactive strategy in terms of protected innovation.
An ecosystem provided by local champions
During this period, Belgium recorded 3,127 transactions for a total amount of 6.4 billion euros. The major players in this ecosystem are particularly representative of the country’s strengths:
- Start it @KBC: Undisputed leader with 539 transactions, this program embodies massive support for young innovative companies.
- Imec: This institute, known for its advances in microelectronics, combines 224 transactions with 198 patents filed in 2023, strengthening Belgium’s reputation in deeptech.
- PMV and Wallonia Entrepreneurship: These regional public organizations complete the picture by supporting projects with high potential, particularly in Flanders and Wallonia.
These initiatives demonstrate close collaboration between the public and private sectors, a model that could inspire other European countries.
The limits: insufficient private financing
Despite these successes, the study highlights a worrying imbalance: the lack of private financing at an advanced stage. Unlike the United States, where private investors take over from public programs to support start-ups in their growth, Europe struggles to provide equivalent support.
This deficit slows down the transition of innovative companies towards scalable and competitive models. António Campinos, president of the EPO, warns of the risk of a “flight of innovations” towards more attractive markets such as the United States or Asia.
Future prospects for Belgium and Europe
To maintain its lead, Belgium will have to:
- Attract more private capital: Encourage local and international investors to engage in growth projects.
- Promote cross-border partnerships: Strengthen links between European ecosystems for better sharing of resources and skills.
- Strengthen tax incentives: Provide clear benefits for investments in patented innovation.
In the longer term, this dynamic could transform Belgium into a nerve center of technological innovation in Europe. With its assets, the country can not only retain its talents, but also attract start-ups and foreign investors, thus consolidating its role on the global stage.
Belgium proves that it is possible to combine technological innovation and economic dynamism. However, the country must anticipate financing challenges to maximize its potential and become a sustainable example for Europe.
Belgium
