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BPW Europe, EPO Push Stronger Role for Women in Innovation

Prime Highlights 

  • BPW Europe and the EPO discussed joint action to increase women’s participation in innovation and STEM fields.  
  • The EPO said only 26% of patent applications in its member states include at least one woman inventor.  

Key Facts 

  • BPW Europe is a network of more than 17,000 members across 30 countries promoting gender equality since 1930.  
  • The European Patent Office supports patent protection and innovation across 39 member states.  

Background 

The BPW Europe delegation met with the European Patent Office (EPO) in Munich in mid-April to promote the advancement of women in fields such as innovation, science, and business. The meeting highlighted joint efforts to build a more inclusive innovation system across Europe. 

The delegation was led by Anu Viks, Regional Coordinator of BPW Europe and Executive member of BPW International. EPO Vice-President Corporate Services Nellie Simon welcomed the group and said Europe could not stay competitive if women remained underrepresented in innovation. She stressed that women must play a central role in solving future challenges. 

Among the initiatives that were put forward by the EPO during the meeting for enhancing the presence of women in STEM, there was the Young Professionals Programme, which assists in developing women’s talent, as well as Girls’ Day, designed to encourage girls to choose scientific career paths. The office also reaffirmed its target of having at least 40% women in its workforce by 2028. 

BPW Europe shared details of its work in advocacy, education, mentoring, entrepreneurship support, and policy engagement. The organisation said it focuses on breaking stereotypes early, promoting role models, and helping women advance professionally. 

The EPO also presented findings from its study, Advancing Women in STEM, which tracks women’s progress in patenting, research, and innovation. Officials said sharing such data can help policymakers direct resources where gaps still exist.