An analysis by B2E CoLAB identifies CIIMAR as the national institution with the highest number of patent families in the Blue Bioeconomy, reflecting two decades of innovation based on marine resources.
CIIMAR is among the most innovative Portuguese institutions in the field of the Blue Bioeconomy, according to the study “A Retrospective for Decisions – Blue Bioeconomy: Portuguese Patent Signals 2004–2024 – Outlook to 2030”, recently published by B2E CoLAB. The analysis, which assessed the evolution of national patents in this field over two decades, places CIIMAR and the University of Porto at the top of the ranking of organisations with the highest level of inventive activity.
According to the study, the two institutions jointly lead in the number of patent families identified, with 18 patent families, 13 of which are shared between the two institutions; CIIMAR and the University of Porto are also associated with the largest proportion of inventors’ activity.
At CIIMAR, this performance is characterised by the work led by Vítor Vasconcelos, Luísa Valente, Aires Oliva Teles, Mariana Reis, Joana Almeida, Ana Paula Mucha, Fátima Carvalho and Pedro Leão, whose inventions have helped position the institution amongst the leading national centres of excellence in innovation within the Blue Bioeconomy.
The study also demonstrates CIIMAR’s role in transforming scientific knowledge into innovative solutions with the potential for economic and social impact, contributing to the sustainable development of the Blue Economy in Portugal.
The National Overview
An analysis of nearly two thousand patent applications with Portuguese priority filed between 2004 and 2024 identified 239 relevant applications, grouped into 69 patent families relating to the Blue Bioeconomy. The results show consistent growth in patenting activity, particularly from 2015 onwards, reflecting the sector’s emergence as a strategic area of innovation in Portugal.
The study also highlights a strong national specialisation in the development of high value-added marine products, which account for around 46 per cent of the identified patent families. Key areas of application include food, health, dermocosmetics and biomaterials of marine origin.
The analysis concludes, however, that inventive activity continues to be driven mainly by universities and public research institutions, whilst industry participation remains relatively low. The study advocates strengthening technology transfer and the economic exploitation of scientific results, bringing research closer to the business community.
About B2E CoLAB
B2E CoLAB (Blue Bioeconomy CoLAB) is a collaborative laboratory dedicated to promoting innovation and knowledge transfer in the Blue Bioeconomy, bringing together scientific institutions and companies to develop sustainable solutions based on marine resources.
Check the document here.