The growing trend of patent applications filed by individuals, in contrast with the decline in those filed by large companies, could suggest a diversification in the sources of innovation and a growing individual interest in intellectual property.
The National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI) published the “Gender analysis of patenting in large companies in Chile, 2019-2023”, a report that reveals a worrying reality: only 12% of patent applications in this segment come from women inventors.
The sector that should be leading the shift toward greater inclusion in innovation is falling short. It seems that the larger the company and its sales volume, the lower the proportion of women inventors. In other words, the bigger the organization, the lower its female representation in the field of innovation.
Manufacturing, wholesale trade and agriculture stand out with the highest female participation in patent applications, while areas such as transportation, electricity and construction show barely any presence of women. This reflects that, in many economic sectors, the road to equity in innovation still faces many obstacles.
Although the impact of the pandemic caused a setback in 2020, since 2021 female participation has stabilized at around 11%, a figure that, while showing resilience, is far from enough to speak of equity in the field of industrial property. The growing trend of patent applications filed by individuals, in contrast with the decline in those filed by large companies, could suggest a diversification in the sources of innovation and a growing individual interest in intellectual property.
But this should not be an excuse for large national companies to ignore the crucial role of gender equity in their innovation processes. These organizations need to become spaces that drive the development of women inventors and promote inclusion policies in innovation, creating a virtuous circle for the entire innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Closing the gender gap in patenting is not only a demonstration of equity, but a strategy that will strengthen Chile’s innovation ecosystem. Large companies have the power and the responsibility to lead this change by implementing policies that foster equal access to the patent system and making female talent a central part of their development strategy.
Jovanka Trebotich
Innovation Coordinator, Know Hub Chile
Read the original column at https://www.entnerd.com/integrar-a-mas-mujeres-en-el-patentamiento-empresarial-en-chile/
