17 charts show how full-scale war reshaped Ukraine’s economy and living standards

The modern global economy relies heavily on technology, information, and intellectual property, with countries' positions increasingly determined by their ability to produce new technologies and convert scientific discoveries into profitable products. Patent statistics now serve as a crucial indicator of where future technological potential lies, and they reveal a clear trend: technological activity is shifting towards Asia.

According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, China filed 1.828 million patent applications in 2024, followed by the United States, Japan, South Korea, and India.

Ukraine's patent filings have been consistently low, ranking 35th globally with just 2,559 applications in 2024. This trend is even more pronounced when considering the International Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system, which indicates a country's intent to protect technologies in international markets. Ukraine filed only 112 PCT applications in 2024, ranking 43rd globally.

While a slight increase of 22 applications from the previous year may seem positive, it is still an extremely small number for a nation with a rich scientific heritage and a well-developed higher education system.

The rapid rise of China as the global leader in patent applications cannot be attributed solely to an increase in the number of scientists or research investment. China has built a system where science, industry, the state, universities, and businesses collaborate more closely, and intellectual property is integrated into economic policy.

Businesses now account for 89.1% of PCT applications, compared to just 3.5% for individual applicants in 2024. This shift highlights the importance of business involvement in technological development, as complex and expensive modern technologies require substantial resources and collaboration among various stakeholders.

Ukraine's innovation model, however, often lacks a mechanism to translate scientific development into economic growth. While Ukraine boasts strong scientific traditions, universities, and inventors, the connection between research and the commercial sector remains weak. Businesses in Ukraine primarily focus on trade, commodities, and short-term investment returns, making them less likely to invest in long-term research and development.

Additionally, Ukraine's evaluation of scientific activity often doesn't prioritize translating research into market-ready technologies.

The disparity between China's and Ukraine's patent filing strategies underscores the critical need for Ukraine to restore the link between science and the economy. By fostering stronger collaborations between research institutions and businesses, Ukraine can transform its scientific output into competitive products and industries, ensuring long-term economic growth and global competitiveness.