Brief Information
The Academic Research Programme 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for researchers to conduct high-impact, solution-oriented studies on patent systems, technology intelligence and innovation ecosystems. Launched by the European Patent Office (EPO), the programme supports advanced academic research that drives evidence-based policymaking and strengthens understanding of how patents influence innovation, competitiveness and economic growth.
The sixth call (2026–2028 cycle) invites project proposals focused on forecasting patent applications and analysing academic inventor ecosystems using the EPO’s Technology Intelligence Platform (TIP) and PATSTAT.
Key Dates & Details
- Programme: Academic Research Programme 2026–2028
- Organiser: European Patent Office (EPO)
- Submission Deadline: 27 February 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Funding Available: Up to EUR 300,000 (up to EUR 50,000 per selected project)
- Project Duration: Up to 18 months
- Research Streams:
- Stream A: Forecasting Patent Applications
- Stream B: Academic Inventor & University Ecosystems
- Tools Provided: Technology Intelligence Platform (TIP) & PATSTAT (free access)
- Eligibility: Academic institutions in EPO member states (partners may be worldwide)
- Application Language: English
- Official Contacts: [email protected]
Table of Contents
Overview
The Academic Research Programme 2026 aims to advance high-quality academic work on patent-related topics that directly support innovation policy, business decision-making and economic development. Patents play a central role in driving competitiveness, technology transfer, investment in R&D and the diffusion of innovative solutions.
Evidence shows that intellectual property–intensive sectors generate nearly one-third of all EU jobs and drive substantial economic activity. Therefore, academic research that addresses patent systems, inventor behaviour, technology trends and innovation ecosystems remains essential for informing policymaking and promoting sustainable technological advancement.
Since its launch in 2017, the Academic Research Programme has supported over twenty major research projects across Europe, covering topics such as technical standards, digitalisation, knowledge transfer and patent analytics. The 2026–2028 call continues this mission by prioritising practical, solution-driven research using real patent data and advanced analytical tools provided by the EPO.
Collaborative Research That Makes a Difference
The programme encourages collaboration across disciplines including law, economics, engineering, business, innovation studies, computer science and data analytics. Interdisciplinary research provides new perspectives and enables stronger, more actionable insights.
Academic research contributes to:
- evaluating how patent systems promote or hinder innovation
- supporting the balance between inventor protection and public knowledge access
- analysing investment behaviour and technology diffusion
- understanding challenges faced by universities and academic inventors
- identifying barriers to commercialisation and R&D financing
The Academic Research Programme 2026 is designed for researchers who want to create policy-relevant findings that empower innovators, policymakers, investors and international organisations.
Research Streams
Researchers may submit one proposal per stream.
Stream A – Advanced Methods for Forecasting Patent Applications
This stream supports projects that develop new models and analytical methods to forecast patent filings across jurisdictions, industries and technology fields.
Objectives include:
- identifying future innovation trends
- creating predictive tools for patent application behaviour
- supporting policymakers and businesses in future-oriented planning
Stream B – Local Ecosystems of Academic Inventors & Universities
This stream focuses on:
- the role of universities in innovation ecosystems
- academic inventors and their performance
- regional technology development
- access to finance and commercialisation barriers
- building on EPO’s 2024 study on European universities in patenting
The goal is to understand where innovation is emerging, by whom, and with what impact.
Use TIP & PATSTAT for High-Quality Research
Technology Intelligence Platform (TIP)
TIP is the EPO’s next-generation data platform for analysing patent information. TIP allows researchers to:
- process and visualise large patent datasets
- conduct advanced patent intelligence analysis
- access PATSTAT directly for free
- run comparative and longitudinal studies
PATSTAT
PATSTAT provides comprehensive, global patent data from over 100 patent offices worldwide.
It is widely used by:
- international organisations
- national patent offices
- research institutions
- innovation analysts
Using TIP + PATSTAT ensures high-quality, data-driven academic research outputs.
Funding & Support
The Academic Research Programme 2026 offers:
- Total funding: EUR 300,000
- Up to 6 projects selected
- Up to EUR 50,000 per project
- Project duration: 18 months
- Expert guidance: Access to EPO specialists who will support the research teams
The programme supports studies that are original, innovative and relevant to the global patent landscape.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants must:
- be a research institute located in a member state of the European Patent Organisation
- submit proposals in English using the official application form
- collaborate with global partners if desired (lead applicant must be based in an EPO member state)
- follow the guidelines provided in the call
There are no nationality restrictions for principal or co-researchers.
Joint proposals from multiple academic institutions are strongly encouraged.
Application Procedure
To apply for the Academic Research Programme 2026:
- Download the official application form
👉 https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/about-observatory/chief-economist/academic-research-programme#Submityourapplication - Prepare your proposal, ensuring:
- one proposal per stream (maximum)
- clear methodology
- defined research question
- expected impact
- Submit the completed application and any required documents by email to:
[email protected] - Deadline: 27 February 2026, 23:59 CET
The EPO cannot provide feedback on proposal content during the call.
Selection Process
A Scientific Committee, chaired by the EPO Chief Economist, oversees the evaluation. Proposals are peer-reviewed by external experts based on:
- originality and significance of the research question
- methodology quality
- feasibility
- collaborative and multidisciplinary nature
- potential policy, economic or social impact
- expected applicability of results
Applicants will be informed of the outcome by summer 2026.
FAQ — Academic Research Programme 2026
Who can submit a research proposal?
Researchers affiliated with institutes in EPO member states. Collaboration with global partners is allowed.
Must applicants be nationals of EPO member states?
No. There are no nationality restrictions for researchers.
What is collaborative research?
Projects involving multiple research teams or institutions working together across disciplines.
Can I submit more than one proposal?
Yes — but only one proposal per research stream as principal researcher.
What is the submission deadline?
All proposals must be submitted by 27 February 2026.
Who can I contact for questions?
Email: [email protected]
Official Links
- Official Programme Website:
https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/about-observatory/chief-economist/academic-research-programme - Application Form Download:
https://www.epo.org/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology/about-observatory/chief-economist/academic-research-programme#Submityourapplication - Contact Email:
[email protected]
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Discover more global research opportunities, fellowships and academic funding programmes at:
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