A Quantitative and Qualitative Analyse of Top Sustainability Filers
“While analyzing absolute patent numbers provides valuable insights, assessing the quality and impact of patents is crucial to truly understanding the drivers of sustainable innovation.”
Sustainability, while not a new concept, has gained significant traction in recent times. In the midst of the vast amount of data on this topic available worldwide, it has become increasingly difficult to extract meaningful insights for a data driven strategy. Many corporations have made voluntary pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is a great step towards decarbonizing their industries. Nonetheless, monitoring the actual progress made through these commitments presents a formidable challenge.
Technological innovation could serve as a fundamental pillar in this transition. Patent trends provide a sophisticated lens to map and analyze technological advancements in sustainability. By examining patent filings, researchers and policymakers can gain unprecedented insights into the innovation landscape driving environmental solutions.
Y02/Y04S Classification: A Standardized Approach to Sustainable Technology Patents
The concept of sustainable technology is inherently subjective. The European Patent Office (EPO), recognizing this challenge, developed an innovative solution – the Y02/Y04S scheme within the Cooperative Patent Classification framework. This systematic approach provides a standardized method for categorizing sustainable technologies.
Consequently, when a patent related to sustainable technology is added to the EPO’s databases, it is assigned either a Y02 symbol for Climate Change Mitigation Technologies (CCMTs) or a Y04 symbol for Smart Grids.
Our analysis leverages these CPC classifications to explore the landscape of sustainable technology patent filings. We can identify the technological advancements that are driving sustainability in different industries by focusing on innovations aimed at energy efficiency and climate change mitigation through smart grid systems. This approach not only helps track the progress of eco-friendly technologies but also facilitates the identification of emerging trends and opportunities for further innovation in the field.
Global Patent Filing Trend
The field of sustainable technology is experiencing a notable increase in patent activity, reflecting a global dedication to addressing climate change.
Figure 1: The graph above illustrates patent applications filed over the years. Some applications filed after 2023 are not yet published. Values are presented in thousands (Value x 1000).
Data source-PatSeer
Description: The above graph illustrates the Global Patent Filing Trend from 2014 to 2024. This visual representation shows a significant increase in patents for sustainable technologies. The upward trend shows a growing commitment to develop and safeguard innovations in this area. The notable increase between 2021 and 2022 suggests an acceleration in green technology investments.
Decoding Innovation: Quantitative and Qualitative Perspectives on Sustainability Patents
Patent analysis offers a powerful method to identify industries at the forefront of sustainable innovation. By leveraging the CPC Y02 and Y04S classifications, we can uncover both the breadth and depth of sustainability-driven technological advancements.
Quantitative Insights: The Landscape of Patent Filings
This analysis offers critical insights into patent publication volumes, highlighting industries most actively pursuing sustainable technological solutions. Absolute patent numbers provide a foundational understanding of industry engagement in sustainable technologies, reflecting initial investments and innovation efforts across sectors and offering a comprehensive overview of sustainability commitments.
Figure 2: The graph above displays industry trends based on the absolute number of patents published in 2022.
Data source-PatSeer
The Energy & Power sector tops the list with 22.56%, followed by Transportation – Motor Vehicles & Parts at 10.80%, and Information and Communication at 10.46%. These industries are driving the majority of sustainability-focused patent filings, reflecting their pivotal role in advancing eco-friendly technologies.
Beyond Numbers: The Qualitative Dimension of Sustainability Innovation
While quantitative metrics offer valuable insights, they tell only part of the story. A qualitative analysis reveals the true impact sustainable innovations. Not all patents are created equal–some represent transformative technologies with genuine potential to address environmental challenges, while others may be more incremental or exploratory.
The Methodology
This analysis uses the Sagacious Patent Portfolio Quality Mix (SPPQM) methodology, refined over the years to support strategic decisions like portfolio pruning, licensing, and acquisitions. The methodology evaluates portfolios using 12 parameters. It is validated by experts. Key criteria for evaluating patent quality include:
- Potential real-world application
- Technological innovation depth
- Scalability of the proposed solution
- Potential environmental impact
- Practical implementability
Now, let’s explore the industries at the forefront of qualitative patent analysis.
Figure 3: Qualitative analysis of Industries from top 100 corporations, assessment year – 2022. (Data source-PatSeer)
When assessing patent quality, the Energy & Power sector remains at the forefront, accounting for 34.77%, with Transportation – Motor Vehicles & Parts at 16.31%, and Information and Communication at 10.62%. This analysis underscores not only the volume of green innovation but also the depth of technological advancements driving sustainability.
Top Industries Driving Sustainable Patent Development
The first two industries leading the charge in quality green technology development are Energy & Power and Transportation & Automotive. The first two industries will be examined in depth, while the next three will be reviewed briefly. All of these industries contribute to the global sustainability eco-system.
1. Energy & Power :
The Energy & Power industry is the most active in terms of green patent filings. This dominance reflects its pivotal role in the global decarbonization effort and the ongoing shift towards renewable energy sources. A closer look at the key technologies driving innovation in this industry reveals a strategic focus on addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with this energy transition:
- Energy Storage Using Batteries: With the rise of electric vehicles and the increasing need for grid-scale energy storage, the development of advanced battery technologies is paramount. Patents in this area cover innovations in battery chemistry, materials, design, and manufacturing processes, aiming to improve energy density, charging speed, safety, and lifespan.
- Fuel Cells: As a clean and efficient energy conversion technology, fuel cells hold immense potential for a variety of applications. Patent activity in this area focuses on enhancing fuel cell efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness, paving the way for wider adoption in transportation, portable power, and stationary power generation.
- Systems and Methods Supporting Power Networks: Integrating renewable energy sources into existing power grids presents significant technical challenges. Patents in this area address the need for intelligent grid management systems, advanced control algorithms, and communication protocols to ensure grid stability, reliability, and resilience in the face of fluctuating renewable energy generation.
Based on a qualitative analysis of patents, the leading corporations driving green innovation in the Energy & Power Sector are:
- State Grid Corporation of China
- LG Corp
- Toyota Group
2. Transportation:
The Transportation sub-sector and especially the Motor Vehicles & Parts sector holds a strong position in green patent applications. This trend is driven primarily by the global push for electric vehicles (EVs), and the growing demand to find sustainable transportation solutions. Analyzing patent data reveals the key areas shaping innovation in this sector:
- Energy Storage Systems for Electromobility (e.g. Batteries): Battery performance is a key component of EVs. It impacts the vehicle’s range, cost and consumer acceptance. Patent activity in this area focuses on developing batteries with higher energy density, faster charging capabilities, extended lifespan, and enhanced safety features.
- Electromobility-Specific Charging Systems and Methods: As the adoption of EVs accelerates, efficient and convenient charging infrastructure becomes crucial. Patents in this area cover a wide range of innovations, including charging station design, communication protocols between vehicles and charging infrastructure, smart charging algorithms to optimize grid load, and integration solutions to leverage renewable energy sources for charging.
- Improving the Efficiency of Internal Combustion Engines: While electrification is gaining momentum, internal combustion engines are likely to remain a significant part of the transportation sector for the foreseeable future. This area of patent activity focuses on optimizing engine design, fuel efficiency and combustion processes as well as developing advanced emissions reduction technologies to minimize conventional vehicle’s environmental impact. Information and Communication Technologies:
With data centers and communication networks consuming more energy and data growth exploding, it is important to reduce the ICT sector’s carbon footprint. Patents in this area focus on developing energy-efficient computing devices, optimizing network infrastructure for lower power consumption, and creating smart energy management systems to minimize energy waste in data centers and communication networks.
- In the ICT Sector, the leading corporations driving green innovation are:
- Samsung Group
- Huawei
Qualcomm
4. Renewables:
The continuous pursuit of cleaner and more sustainable energy sources has spurred a wave of innovation in renewable energy technologies. Patent activity in this sector centers around advancements in wind turbine design and efficiency, improvements in photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion, and research into next-generation solar cell technologies, such as organic PV cells.
- These companies are leading in green innovation in the Renewables Sector:
- Samsung Group
- General Electric Co
Vestas Wind System AS
5. Building and Infrastructure:
As cities and buildings account for a significant portion of global energy consumption, the need for sustainable building practices and energy-efficient infrastructure is paramount. Patents in this area cover innovations in energy-efficient lighting and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, integration of smart grid technologies into buildings, the use of green building materials, and the implementation of sustainable urban planning practices.
- Finally, the leading corporations driving green innovation in the Building and Infrastructure sector are:
- Haier Group
- Midea Group
LG Corp
The Importance of Tracking Sustainable Innovation
Patent trend analysis in sustainable technologies serves as a critical strategic lens, offering unprecedented insights into the global innovation ecosystem. This systematic approach goes beyond mere data collection–it provides a comprehensive mapping of technological evolution, revealing the strategic priorities and commitment of industries to environmental sustainability.
- For key stakeholders, patent tracking offers invaluable intelligence:
- Policymakers gain actionable insights into technological trajectories, enabling informed regulatory and support mechanisms
- Investors can identify emerging technological trends and high-potential innovation domains
Businesses can benchmark their sustainability efforts against global innovation landscapes
Researchers can uncover white spaces and opportunities for breakthrough developments
By examining patent filings, we decode more than technological advancements–we illuminate the collective global commitment to addressing climate challenges through innovative solutions. This analysis transforms abstract sustainability goals into tangible, measurable technological progress.
- A Promising Landscape
- While analyzing absolute patent numbers provides valuable insights, assessing the quality and impact of patents is crucial to truly understanding the drivers of sustainable innovation. The patent trends for sustainable technologies show a dynamic and promising landscape. The significant increase in patent filings in sectors such as Energy & Power and Transportation highlights the growing commitment of global citizens to develop and implement green solutions. This surge in innovation is a clear testament to collective efforts aimed at mitigating climate change and fostering a transition toward a more sustainable future.
- Although patent quantity alone does not fully capture the depth of sustainable progress, the observed trends shed light on areas where meaningful advancements are being made. Key technologies such as energy storage, fuel cells, and electromobility solutions illustrate a strategic and focused approach to addressing environmental challenges.
- Moving forward, it is essential to prioritize high-quality, impactful innovations with real-world applications. This includes supporting research, encouraging cross-sectoral and cross-border cooperation, and scaling up the use of promising sustainable technologies. By nurturing this momentum, we can work together to pave the way for a more sustainable and brighter future for all.
Image Source: Deposit Photos
Author: SergeyNivens
Image ID: 6192278
