The discussion revolved around how to foster a fair and sustainable innovation ecosystem that would enable the region to play a relevant role in the global energy transition.

Among the main outcomes of the workshop was the need to understand the structure of the regional patent portfolio. The analysis presented showed that the predominant technologies in Latin America focus on high-pressure storage, cryogenics and, to a lesser extent, metal hydrides. In contrast, emerging technologies such as liquid organic hydrocarbon carriers (LOHC) and porous materials show incipient or no development in the region, which represents both a gap and a strategic opportunity for innovation.

The diagnosis identified significant disparities between countries. Brazil and Mexico account for nearly 90% of regional publications, driven by research and development programmes and the local presence of multinationals in the energy and automotive sectors. Argentina, with an early cycle of applications between 2000 and 2005, has shown a slowdown, while in Chile and Colombia, activity is mainly limited to extensions of foreign applications. This uneven distribution raises questions about domestic inventive capacity and the potential for regional coordination.

In terms of competition, it was highlighted that the high concentration of patents, particularly in the hands of foreign actors, can limit the development of local capacities and hinder the entry of new innovators. Potentially restrictive practices, such as global licensing of systems rather than specific parts, were also addressed. In response, regulatory, fiscal and collaborative mechanisms were proposed to stimulate competition and technology transfer under fair conditions.