Women in science and the global economy: Is it time for change? Join the EPO’s virtual roundtable discussions

The share of women inventors in
the world of science and technology has increased steadily in recent decades,
but there is still a long way to go to reach gender parity. While some technology sectors stand out for a relatively
higher share of women, other sectors lag behind. Society needs more than ever
to strengthen the presence of women in the industries driving innovation, encouraging
girls to take up STEM careers and play an active role in the global economy.

Ahead of the launch later
this month of our study „Women’s participation in inventive activity:
evidence from EPO data“ the European Patent Office is hosting „Women and
IP innovation„, a series of virtual roundtables to discuss
the barriers to overcoming the gender gap and potential measures to enhance
women’s contributions to innovation. The events will gather outstanding women
inventors, heads of international patent offices, patent attorneys and
representatives of academia.

• Panel 1: ‘Building the pipeline: women
  studying STEM‚ on 16 November will be moderated by Roberta
  Romano-Götsch, Chief Sustainability Officer at the EPO, and will count with the
  participation of the EPO Chief Economist, Yann Ménière, co-author of the EPO’s
  upcoming study.

• Panel 2: ‘Getting international: a
  global solution for women scientists?‚ will take place on 23 November
  and will focus on the key international aspect for taking up STEM careers. The
  discussion will be led by Steve Rowan, EPO Vice-President Patent Granting
  Process.

• Panel 3: ‘Teaming up: the key
  towards gender equality‘ will be streamed on 30 November, and will be
  moderated by Nellie Simon, Vice-President of the EPO’s Directorate-General
  Corporate Services.

Stay
tuned via the EPO’s social media channels for information on how to join the
panel discussions.