2021-10-15-世界知识产权组织-产权组织2021年技术趋势（英文完整版）_273页_14mb

Assistive Technology Summary

Core Content

This report, WIPO Technology Trends 2021: Assistive Technology, provides a comprehensive analysis of innovation trends in the assistive technology (AT) sector using patent data and other sources. It aims to support decision-making for business leaders, researchers, and policymakers by offering a factual knowledge base on the current and future state of assistive technology.

Main Points

• License and Usage Rights: The report is available under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 IGO license, allowing users to reproduce, distribute, adapt, and translate it without explicit permission, provided that the source is acknowledged and any changes are clearly indicated. Users must not use any official WIPO emblems unless approved.

• Purpose of the Report: The report explores the patenting activity, technological trends, and the broader market context of assistive technology. It highlights the convergence of AT with other technologies and the potential for increased commercialization and accessibility.

• Market Growth: Over 1 billion people currently need assistive technology, and this number is expected to double to 2 billion by 2050 due to aging populations and the integration of AT with consumer electronics.

• Key Findings:

  • Patenting activity in conventional assistive technology is significantly higher than in emerging technology, with 117,209 filings compared to 15,592.
  • Emerging technology filings are growing at a faster rate (17% AAGR) than conventional (6% AAGR).
  • Mobility is the most active domain in both conventional and emerging assistive technologies, with the fastest growth rates.
  • Emerging products often complement conventional ones rather than replace them, leading to parallel markets.

• Technology Readiness Levels (TRL): The report evaluates the TRL of emerging assistive products to assess their proximity to commercialization.

• Enabling Technologies: Nine enabling technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), brain-computer/machine interface (BCI/BMI), and advanced sensors, are identified as key drivers of innovation in emerging assistive technology.

• Convergence with Other Fields: Assistive technology is increasingly merging with medical, consumer electronics, and other sectors, enhancing functionality and innovation.

• Policy and Legislation: The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) recognizes assistive technology as a human right, influencing market dynamics and state obligations.

• Contributors and Acknowledgments: The report is a collaborative effort involving 72 experts from around the world, as well as contributions from WHO, UN agencies, and academic institutions.

Key Information

• Author: WIPO Director General, Daren Tang
• Suggested Citation: WIPO (2021). WIPO Technology Trends 2021: Assistive Technology. Geneva: World Intellectual Property Organization.
• ISBN: 978-92-805-3257-9
• DOI: doi.org/10.34667/tind.42582
• Printed in: Switzerland
• First Published: 2021

Structure of the Report

• Introduction: Defines assistive technology and its end-users, outlines categorization methods, and explains the data and analysis used.
• Patent Landscape: Analyzes patenting activity across functional categories, focusing on growth trends, key players, and geographical distribution.
• Trends in Assistive Technology: Examines overall patenting and technology trends, including the impact of enabling technologies and the commercialization of emerging technologies.
• Wider Context: Discusses factors influencing market entry and accessibility, as well as policy efforts to address challenges.
• Future of Assistive Technology: Explores potential developments in both technology and policy, considering intellectual property and other implications.
• Annexes: Include conventional and emerging taxonomies, use of enabling technologies, TRL rating scales, and a glossary.

Conclusion

The report underscores the importance of assistive technology in enhancing the lives of people with impairments and highlights the need for increased access and commercialization. It emphasizes the role of patent analytics in informing policy and business decisions and the potential for future innovations to significantly improve user independence and quality of life.