French public research stands out in Europe
Published on 22 October 2026, a study by the European Patent Office (EPO) provides an overview of technology transfer in Europe and examines the conditions needed to turn research results into technologies, products and businesses. It highlights the leading role of French public research in European innovation.
Conducted in partnership with ASTP, the European association for knowledge transfer, and the Fraunhofer ISI, the study draws on EPO patent data and a survey of more than 800 technology transfer offices across Europe.
French public research at the forefront in Europe
Alongside the study, the EPO launched an interactive dashboard, the Data Desk, which allows users to explore patenting activity by public research institutions across countries, organisations and technology fields.
The results highlight the leading position of French public research organisations in Europe. In 2025, the CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research) ranked as Europe’s leading public research organisation, with 729 patent applications filed with the EPO, particularly in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and measurement technologies. The CEA (French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission) ranked third, with 528 applications, and was particularly active in semiconductors and low-carbon technologies. Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) ranked fourth, with 432 applications, mainly in the life sciences.
With three French organisations among Europe’s top four, these results underscore the strength of French public research and its capacity to generate innovations with significant technological potential.
This performance is part of a broader environment that is highly supportive of innovation. In 2025, France ranked second in Europe for patent applications filed with the EPO, with 10,932 applications, and sixth worldwide.
France ranks second in Europe for research spin-offs
Beyond patents, the study also highlights the French ecosystem’s ability to turn research results into entrepreneurial ventures.
With 633 spin-offs listed in the EPO’s Deep Tech Finder, France ranks second in Europe, behind the United Kingdom.
Of these, 64.5%, or 408 companies, are still in the early growth stage, a crucial phase in moving from a research-based prototype to a marketable product and securing initial funding.
These results illustrate the strength of France’s research and innovation ecosystem and the opportunities it offers international companies and investors looking to develop R&D activities in France, access cutting-edge technologies or establish partnerships with French public research organisations.
A high-performing innovation ecosystem
As the leading European destination for foreign R&D investment since 2019, France offers a complete ecosystem, combining excellent public research and targeted tax incentives.