Transportation has long been a major driver of human progress. From the invention of the wheel to the era of steam power, from the birth of aviation to dawn of the space age, transportation technologies have shaped societies, expanded economies and brought cultures closer together. These breakthroughs – fueled by our innate curiosity and determination to explore new horizons – have not only revolutionized how we move but also redefined how we live, trade, connect and think.
Today, we stand on the brink of yet another seismic shift. Propelled by the megatrends of sustainability and digitalization, emerging technologies are reshaping the future of transportation. Electric vehicles, autonomous systems, smart infrastructure and digital logistics are no longer distant dreams – they are becoming part of our daily lives. These advances hold the promise of making transport smarter, greener and more inclusive, and addressing challenges like urban congestion, carbon emissions and fair access to transportation.
This WIPO Technology Trends report delves into innovations across land, sea, air and even space. A remarkable 1.1 million patents related to the future of transportation have been published since 2000, a growth rate far outpacing more traditional transportation technologies like combustion engines and catalytic convertors and well ahead of global patenting growth overall.
This momentum reminds us of an essential truth: that transportation has always been more than just a means of getting from one place to another. It is a testament to human ingenuity and collaboration, with intellectual property playing a pivotal role in safeguarding and fostering groundbreaking ideas on a global scale.
By analyzing the latest IP data, scientific literature and industry developments, this report serves as a bridge between cutting-edge research and practical application. Its aim is to equip policymakers, businesses, researchers and others with key insights to guide investments, shape innovation strategies and inspire collaboration – all with the objective of advancing progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
As nations worldwide strive to achieve net-zero emissions and build new forms of connectivity, the future of transportation will profoundly impact us all. At this pivotal juncture, we hope this report inspires bold thinking, collaborative action, and a shared vision of transport that is not only efficient and innovative but also sustainable and inclusive.
Daren Tang
Director General
World Intellectual Property Organization
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