In a polarised world, where trade and technology tensions between large powers shape new international balances, industrial property —patents, utility model, industrial designs— is emerging as a strategic vector for technological sovereignty. The report prepared by Cotec entitled “Technological sovereignty: the strategic role of Industrial and Intellectual property” provided an in-depth assessment and a road map containing thirteen proposals that consider a national and regional strategy for technological empowerment.
The document, which was prepared by a work group coordinated by PONS IP with public and private participation, underlined the fact that industrial property-intensive sectors represent almost half the GDP of the European Union and over 90% of its export. This data shows that, far from being a marginal area, Industrial Property (IP) is a substantive part of the productive framework with a high capacity to generate added value. However, Spain and other south European countries are still dogged by a business culture that focusses on tangible assets (infrastructure, physical capital) more than intangible assets. In particular, the number of granted patents held by France and Germany is ten times greater per one million inhabitants than Spain.
The Cotec Report proposes several lines of action to strengthen this strategic asset, such as incorporating industrial property into all public programmes supporting R&D&I and promote an intangible asset management culture in companies, especially SMEs.
Today, just as tariffs are returning as a tool to apply pressure in geo-economic conflicts, industrial property takes on a dual role: a protective shield and an indirect offensive weapon. From a geopolitical perspective, protected knowledge can become a non-tariff barrier; a country with key patents can set conditions for technological access by rivals, while tariffs seek to safeguard national production against foreign competition.
In addition, imposing tariffs does not operate in isolation; it has a network effect. A recent publication entitled Network Effects of Tariffs (2025) shows how tariffs can shape global trade flows, divert routes and change specialisation patterns, even weakening the position of those who imposed the tariffs if they do not have a strong technological strategy. In this regard, IP acts as a strong strategic asset against the volatility of international trade.
This year’s Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to Joel Mokyr (half the prize) and Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt (the other half) for their essential contribution to the theory of innovation-driven economic growth. Their publications are particularly relevant in positioning IP as a structural mechanism that supports progress, and not simply a market right.
From the perspective of Nobel Prizes, IP can be acknowledged as a driving force for economic progress, protecting returns on innovation, promoting dynamic competition and ensuring technological advances can be replicated and scaled. However, this role is only robust if accompanied by efficient institutions, monitored competition and strategic openness.
In the area of technological sovereignty, IP allows a country to control the use of its technologies, decide who to license with and prevent intellectual advantage from moving unilaterally. In tariff and trade war logic, IP is a shield and holds the potential to be an instrument of influence.
Today more than ever, industrial property is a geostrategic asset. It is not simply an economic instrument for innovative companies: it is the pillar on which a State can build technological autonomy and resilience in global competition scenarios. The Cotec report provides a sound guide for countries like Spain that wish to move away from being passive technology users and towards players with their own voice on the international stage.
Lessons on modern economic thought need to be integrated in order for IP to fulfil this role: only institutional models that favour innovation, competition and openness prevent intellectual property from becoming a roadblock or privilege and make it a driver of shared progress. The 2025 Nobel Prizes remind us that sustainable growth not only requires “happy ideas”, but conditions that turn them into lasting well-being.
Written by: Luis Ignacio Vicente del Olmo. Strategic Advisor at PONS IP.
