PATENT ACTIVITY IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE FOR THE PERIOD 2014-2024

This paper uses patent statistics as an indicator of the technological development of individual economic sectors. The aim of the study is to identify the priority sectors for development in each of the countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), using the data on the number of patents applied for and granted through the EPO in the period 2014-2024. The object of research is the development of technological areas and directions, and patent activity has been chosen as a subject of research, as an indicator of technological development. Using empirical research methods, the technological areas, and technological fields with the highest concentration of patent rights and their development in the period 2014-2024 are deduced. In conclusion, we recognize a growing need to promote research and increase investment in R&D in CEE countries to achieve a higher level of technological development, following the example of leading countries.