14/10/2026
Reddie & Grose has published the latest edition of its Sustainable Innovation Report, exploring how UK innovators are developing technologies to address climate and sustainability challenges.
Drawing on patent data alongside analysis of high-growth UK businesses, the report examines innovation across waste reduction and recycling, energy, buildings, greenhouse gas capture, information and communication systems (ICS), transport and heavy industry.
The findings reveal a varied picture across the UK’s sustainable innovation landscape. Areas of strength and emerging opportunity, including nuclear, hydrogen and advanced manufacturing, sit alongside signs of slowing patent activity in parts of the energy sector.
Beyond patent activity, the report considers the businesses behind sustainable technologies and the investment supporting their development. It explores how access to funding, changing regulation and the drive for greater efficiency and resource use are influencing innovation and helping businesses move new technologies towards commercial deployment.
The report also highlights the importance of looking beyond overall levels of innovation. Different sectors are developing at different rates, with patterns of patent activity and investment providing an indication of where the UK is building technological strengths, as well as areas where further support may be required.
Bruce Torrance, Senior Associate at Reddie & Grose, comments:
“The breadth of innovation highlighted throughout this report gives genuine cause for optimism. Across a wide range of sectors, UK businesses are developing technologies that have the potential to contribute to a more sustainable future. Patent activity can also help us identify where momentum may be slowing and where further investment and support could be needed. As these technologies develop, the challenge will be ensuring that promising innovation can be protected, funded and ultimately brought to market.”
The Sustainable Innovation Report forms part of Reddie & Grose’s ongoing analysis of innovation and intellectual property trends across the UK’s sustainability landscape. Click here to download the report.
