Main trends
Analysis of the application domains highlights and confirms two recurring observations in mine action related innovation over the past 20 years: the strong influence of defense-related R&D and a focus on sensors and detection:
Defense R&D dominates the global innovation landscape, reflecting the strong role played by the military and their much greater defense budgets in shaping technological innovation related to mine action. Although many technological advances and inventions have positively impacted mine action, many are for military purposes and requirements, such as mine clearance linear charges or armored systems that may have limited applicability to mine action.
Sensors and detection remain the largest category of patenting activity, although it should be noted that only a very few patents have translated into applicable mine action uses, either due to the high cost or a lack of understanding as to the operational requirements for fieldable solutions in mine action.
Fluorescence/phosphorescence and chemical indicator-based material analysis point to sustained interest in chemical sensing for explosive detection, where optical or chemical reactions are used to identify explosive residues.
Acoustic wave reradiation and radio wave reflection/response highlight the importance of physical wave-based detection, often associated with GPR or acoustic sensing of subsurface objects.
Nuclear radiation detection, while less common, indicates attempts to explore niche, but highly sensitive methods for distinguishing explosives underground.Electric/magnetic analysis and electric/magnetic detection capture patents linked to metal detection and electromagnetic methods, which remain the operational backbone of humanitarian demining.
Electric/magnetic analysis and electric/magnetic detection capture patents linked to metal detection and electromagnetic methods, which remain the operational backbone of humanitarian demining.
Sample withdrawal devices underscore the challenge of obtaining representative soil or air samples for analysis – an enabling technology for many chemical detection systems.
The analysis of global patent trends highlights a sustained effort to leverage advances in other technological domains for mine action purposes, for example, robotics and UAV technologies, AI-assisted systems, geophysical sensing, and detection and chemical detection of explosive substances. However, despite the significant technological momentum, challenges remain in translating R&D into real-world applications that are both cost-effective and scalable in EO affected regions.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead, the mine action sector faces the crucial task of balancing the need for continued innovation with the imperative of providing affordable and widespread access to life-saving technologies. Patents play a vital role in encouraging investment into new technologies, but the IP landscape should evolve, so as to better align with the humanitarian needs of the sector. Findings from the analysis point in the direction of a greater collaboration between mine action organizations, non-military private sector innovators and governments. By fostering cooperative models, not only can the sector better align needs and responses, but also promote shared ownership and transparent licensing mechanisms, ensuring that the benefits of innovation are more widely accessible. Open data frameworks and humanitarian licensing models could be explored in order to facilitate equitable access to critical technologies, particularly in resource-constrained settings where cost barriers are most acute.
The patent dataset reveals a significant variation in patenting activity within the mine action sector. While some organizations actively engage in patenting, many others show little to no activity. This could be due to a range of factors outside the scope of the study.
Another key observation from the analysis is the limited patent activity originating from or protected within those countries affected by EO. Despite the global demand for mine action technologies, these regions contribute very few patents, presenting a significant opportunity to harness the knowledge embedded in patents from other parts of the world. Accessing and utilizing these patents could enable EO-affected countries to adapt existing technologies to the local context and promote the transfer of life-saving innovations.
Moreover, insights from patent data can serve as a strategic tool to guide technology development and deployment. Patent trends provide valuable intelligence on emerging technologies, market dynamics and areas of high innovation potential. By leveraging this information, the sector can identify promising solutions, anticipate future trends and strengthen partnerships with technology providers. Effective technology transfer mechanisms, informed by patent activity, can further ensure that innovations are adapted to the operational realities of mine action, reaching those who need them most. Moving forward, the community should prioritize mechanisms that balance commercial incentives with the urgency of humanitarian goals, ensuring that IP rights facilitate rather than hinder the timely deployment of demining technologies.