Aberdeen is the innovation capital of Scotland, according to new figures from intellectual property (IP) specialist HGF.
The firm’s latest annual survey of European patent applications shows the Granite City was way ahead of Edinburgh and Glasgow last year.
There were a total of 44 applications from Europe’s energy capital, compared with 43 from Edinburgh and 38 from Glasgow.
It is the fourth year in a row that Aberdeen has come out on top.
HGF said creative thinking in the north-east was part of a growing clamour for the protection of IP globally, with figures from World Intellectual Property Office figures showing a 9% annual increase in patent applications.
Craig Watson, managing partner in the firm’s Aberdeen office, added: “We can be proud that Aberdeen city and shire continue to lead the way in Scotland.
“The patents from this area extend across many technical fields, including life sciences, software and energy.
“Indeed, with the recent challenges in the energy sector, local firms are more focused than ever on new and innovative techniques to increase efficiency.”
Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce chief executive Robert Collier said: “Our successful track record in research and innovation is one of the reasons that our regional economy is robust.
“Innovation drives exports, grows business and generates start-ups.
“New innovation will be critical for the energy sector to recover from current challenges and to shape a new lower-cost future.”
HGF has offices in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Oxford and York.
Its Granite City office specialises in protecting inventions in the oil and gas industry.