Number of AI Patents Filed 2021
The number of AI patents filed indicates a country's contribution to AI innovation and technology advancements.
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Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | China | 87,057 patents | |
2 | United States | 13,124 patents | |
3 | South Korea | 9,682 patents | |
4 | Japan | 4,270 patents | |
5 | Australia | 1,446 patents | |
6 | Germany | 995 patents | |
7 | Canada | 907 patents | |
8 | Taiwan | 670 patents | |
9 | United Kingdom | 478 patents | |
10 | France | 292 patents | |
11 | Mexico | 134 patents | |
12 | Brazil | 107 patents | |
13 | Italy | 95 patents | |
14 | Spain | 76 patents | |
15 | Turkey | 60 patents | |
16 | Russia | 56 patents | |
17 | Philippines | 49 patents | |
18 | Netherlands | 45 patents | |
19 | Finland | 40 patents | |
20 | Luxembourg | 38 patents | |
21 | Israel | 27 patents | |
22 | South Africa | 22 patents | |
23 | Sweden | 20 patents | |
24 | Poland | 19 patents | |
25 | Austria | 15 patents | |
26 | Romania | 12 patents | |
27 | Denmark | 11 patents | |
28 | Switzerland | 11 patents | |
29 | Slovakia | 9 patents | |
30 | Belgium | 8 patents | |
31 | Greece | 8 patents | |
32 | Hungary | 8 patents | |
33 | Ukraine | 8 patents | |
34 | Argentina | 6 patents | |
35 | India | 6 patents | |
36 | Norway | 6 patents | |
37 | Serbia | 6 patents | |
38 | Malaysia | 5 patents | |
39 | Singapore | 5 patents | |
40 | Bulgaria | 4 patents | |
41 | New Zealand | 4 patents | |
42 | Peru | 4 patents | |
43 | Portugal | 4 patents | |
44 | Tunisia | 4 patents | |
45 | Colombia | 2 patents | |
46 | Czech Republic | 2 patents | |
47 | Jordan | 2 patents | |
48 | Morocco | 2 patents | |
49 | Chile | 1 patents | |
50 | Ireland | 1 patents | |
51 | Republic of Moldova | 1 patents | |
52 | Saudi Arabia | 1 patents |
- #1
China
- #2
United States
- #3
South Korea
- #4
Japan
- #5
Australia
- #6
Germany
- #7
Canada
- #8
Taiwan
- #9
United Kingdom
- #10
France
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #52
Saudi Arabia
- #51
Republic of Moldova
- #50
Ireland
- #49
Chile
- #48
Morocco
- #47
Jordan
- #46
Czech Republic
- #45
Colombia
- #44
Tunisia
- #43
Portugal
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2021, the Number of AI Patents Filed was led by China with a staggering 87,057 patents, showcasing its dominance in AI innovation. The global range of AI patents filed spans from a minimum of 1 to this maximum, across 52 countries. The global average number of AI patents filed was approximately 2,305.10, while the median was notably lower at 12, highlighting significant disparities in AI innovation across different regions.
Concentration of AI Innovation: The Dominance of Leading Economies
The concentration of AI innovation is evident as a few countries account for the majority of AI patent filings. China leads by a wide margin, with 87,057 patents, significantly outpacing the United States, which filed 13,124 patents. This reflects China's strategic focus on AI as a pillar of economic growth and technological advancement. South Korea also stands out with 9,682 patents, leveraging its robust technology sector and government support for AI research.
These countries' dominance in AI patents can be attributed to several factors, including large-scale investment in research and development, a strong ecosystem of tech companies, and supportive governmental policies. For instance, China's "New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan" aims to make the country a global AI leader by 2030, driving substantial investments in AI research and innovation.
Emerging Players and the Global Disparity
While some countries are AI powerhouses, others are just beginning to tap into AI innovation. The bottom of the list includes countries like Republic of Moldova, Chile, and Saudi Arabia, each with just 1 patent filed. This stark contrast underscores the gap between established tech economies and those still developing their AI capabilities.
Emerging players such as Australia and Germany are making notable contributions with 1,446 and 995 patents, respectively. Australia's increase of 552 patents from the previous year, marking a 61.7% growth, indicates a rapidly growing interest and investment in AI research and development.
Year-over-Year Trends and Shifts in AI Patent Filings
The year-over-year changes reveal dynamic shifts in the AI innovation landscape. China's increase by 20,762 patents, a 31.3% rise, is the most significant, reflecting its aggressive expansion in AI research. South Korea also saw a substantial increase of 1,415 patents, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining competitiveness in AI technology.
Conversely, the United States experienced a decline of 2,167 patents, a 14.2% decrease, possibly due to shifts in domestic policy priorities or competitive pressures. Similarly, Russia and Brazil saw significant reductions in their AI patent filings, with declines of 70.4% and 31.0%, respectively. These decreases may reflect broader economic challenges or strategic realignments within these countries.
Policy and Economic Implications of AI Patent Trends
The trends in AI patent filings have profound implications for global technology leadership and economic development. Countries with high patent filings, like China and South Korea, are likely to set the pace for AI advancements, influencing global standards and practices. As AI becomes increasingly integral to various industries, the ability to innovate in this space will be a critical driver of economic growth and competitiveness.
For countries at the lower end of the spectrum, there is a pressing need to develop strategies that foster AI innovation, such as investing in education, building infrastructure, and creating favorable policy environments. This could help bridge the gap and enable more equitable participation in the global AI economy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Number of AI Patents Filed in 2021
Which country filed the highest number of AI patents in 2021?
China filed the highest number of AI patents in 2021, with a total of 87,057 patents.
What is the average number of AI patents filed by countries in 2021?
The average number of AI patents filed by countries in 2021 is 2,305 patents.
Which country filed the lowest number of AI patents in 2021?
The Republic of Moldova filed the lowest number of AI patents in 2021, with only 1 patent.
What is the median number of AI patents filed by countries in 2021?
The median number of AI patents filed by countries in 2021 is 11.5 patents.
Which countries are in the top 3 for AI patent filings in 2021?
The top 3 countries for AI patent filings in 2021 are China with 87,057 patents, the United States with 13,124 patents, and South Korea with 9,682 patents.
How many countries filed only 1 AI patent in 2021?
In 2021, four countries filed only 1 AI patent: the Republic of Moldova, Chile, Saudi Arabia, and Ireland.
Insights by country
Chile
In 2021, Chile ranked #49 globally with 1 AI patent filed. This places Chile among the lowest in terms of AI innovation, especially when compared to regional leaders like Brazil, which filed significantly more patents. The limited number of AI patents in Chile can be attributed to a smaller technology sector and less investment in research and development compared to larger economies.
Turkey
In 2021, Turkey ranked #15 globally with 60 AI patents filed. This places Turkey above many regional peers, reflecting a growing interest in artificial intelligence within its technology sector. Key drivers include government initiatives to boost innovation and a young, tech-savvy population eager to engage in emerging fields.
Denmark
In 2021, Denmark ranked #27 globally with 11 AI Patents Filed. This figure is modest compared to leading countries like the United States, which holds a significant share of the global AI patent landscape. Denmark's focus on innovation and technology, supported by a strong educational system and government incentives for research and development, drives its growing interest in artificial intelligence.
Tunisia
Tunisia ranked #44 globally with 4 AI patents filed in 2021. This figure is notably lower than many neighboring countries, reflecting a regional trend where innovation in artificial intelligence is still developing. Key drivers for this statistic include Tunisia's focus on improving its digital economy and fostering a startup culture, although challenges remain in investment and research capacity.
Switzerland
In 2021, Switzerland ranked #28 globally with 11 AI Patents Filed. This figure is below the European average, reflecting the competitive landscape in AI innovation across the continent.
The country's strong emphasis on research and development, coupled with its robust education system, fosters a conducive environment for technological advancements. Additionally, Switzerland's strategic location in Europe enhances collaboration opportunities with neighboring countries, driving its AI patent activity.
Germany
In 2021, Germany ranked #6 globally with 995 AI patents filed. This figure places Germany behind the leading country in AI patents, which reflects its strong commitment to innovation in technology. The country's robust engineering sector, significant investment in research and development, and supportive government policies foster an environment conducive to AI advancements.
Morocco
In 2021, Morocco ranked #48 globally with a total of 2 AI patents filed. This figure is notably low compared to the leading countries in AI innovation, highlighting a significant gap in technological development within the region. Factors contributing to this situation include Morocco's emerging economy and a focus on traditional industries, which may limit investment in high-tech sectors like artificial intelligence.
Colombia
In 2021, Colombia ranked #45 globally with 2 AI patents filed. This places Colombia below many of its regional peers, reflecting a broader trend in Latin America where innovation in artificial intelligence is still emerging. The limited number of patents can be attributed to challenges such as lower investment in research and development and a nascent tech ecosystem, which impacts the country's ability to translate academic research into commercial applications.
Jordan
In 2021, Jordan ranked #47 globally with 2 AI patents filed. This figure places Jordan below many of its regional peers, highlighting a significant gap in AI innovation compared to countries like Israel, which leads in this field. The limited number of patents can be attributed to factors such as a smaller technology sector and ongoing challenges in research funding and infrastructure that hinder advancements in artificial intelligence.
India
In 2021, India ranked #35 globally with 6 AI patents filed. This figure is notably lower than the leading countries in AI innovation, such as the United States, which dominates the field. India's relatively modest output can be attributed to its nascent AI ecosystem, which faces challenges such as limited investment in research and development and a need for more robust intellectual property frameworks.
Data Source
Our World in Data
Our World in Data is a collaborative effort between researchers at the University of Oxford, who are the scientific editors of the website content; and the UK-based nonprofit organization Global Change Data Lab (GCDL), which publishes and maintains the website and the data tools that make our work possible.
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