The head of the European Patent Organization informed Euronews that Europe must seize the chances presented by shifting global trade patterns to recover lost competitive edge.
Antonio Campinos stated that Europe has experienced a decline in productivity and competitiveness during the past twenty years. Additionally, he pointed out that the continent has prioritized the creation of regulations rather than fostering innovation.
He mentioned that our productivity decreases when we benchmark against China and the United States.
He stated to Euronews’ The Europe Conversation that we have lost our proactive approach over the last two decades.
Moreover, Campinos argued that Europe’s stance towards fostering novel technologies is overly cautious regarding risks; this attitude hampers experimentation and innovative concepts due to an apprehension about potential failures.
This starkly contrasts with the approach in the US, as stated by Campinos, where the apprehension about failing does not play a role when trying to create innovative goods.
This distinction has enabled the US to forge ahead of Europe in terms of progress with emerging technologies such as AI.
“Our approach to risk differs from that of the United States; they aren’t afraid of failure. For them, failing is often seen as just the initial step towards achieving success,” he explained.
The European Patent Organisation comprises 39 member countries, which include nations like Turkey and Norway.
Each year, it processes approximately 200,000 applications; a number significantly smaller than those of the United States and China.
As he pointed out, compared to the United States, which gets around 600,000 applications, or China with approximately 1.5 million submissions.
The Campinos agree with an increasing agreement that European regulations have gone “too far” in one direction, failing to balance the necessity of supporting creators so they can generate innovations and remain based in Europe.
“For example, consider our competition laws or regulations; their purpose is to safeguard fair competition—which is beneficial. These protections also serve to defend consumer interests,” he stated, further questioning, “Can anyone tell me how many major technology companies we have in Europe within the information technology sector? And how many prominent cloud service providers do we have here in Europe?”
Nevertheless, he thinks that some of the present instability caused by a more protectionist United States under the Trump administration’s conflicts with major trading partners regarding tariffs could create opportunities for beleaguered Europe, provided that leaders and policymakers seize this chance.
“Ingenuity arises from necessity, and right now, we are desperately in need,” he stated.
Humanity tends to be most inventive during times of necessity, and currently, this urgent need drives us forward.
He states that the aircraft’s European stealth and dimensions are crucial for its endurance.
We have strength in Europe. We remain a significant economic force.
“And with current geopolitical tensions, we may actually get a strategic chance to draw in talent, bring over researchers, and attract skilled individuals from the U.S. to Europe,” he stated.
The Draghi report on the future of European competitiveness, commissioned by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, advocated for an annual investment of €800 billion in advanced technology industries along with significant regulatory reforms.
Draghi also cautioned that Europe might suffer a “gradual and painful demise” if the decline in productivity continues to be overlooked.
Campinos concurs with the necessity for Europe to increase domestic investment and keep European startups within the continent.
“The Americans have a logo. They say, invented here, produced here. So we have to start thinking the same way. What is invented in Europe needs to be produced in Europe,” he said.
Trade tensions and Trump tariffs mean Europe must diversify into new markets as well as continuing to trade with China, according to Campinos.
We can no longer depend solely on the US for protection or trade. It’s essential to diversify our partnerships.
Europe should aim to “broaden our free trade agreements with logical allies.”
He mentioned Canada as an example, along with Mexico, which is located north of the U.S., and south of the U.S., clearly pointing out China.
