This chapter presents the views of the Vice President of Legal and International Affairs at the European Patent Office on current and future policy challenges related to patents, innovation and economic performance. In his opinion, the patent system has become a key institution of the knowledge-driven economy, but is still in a state of turmoil. New technologies and new issues are emerging fast. Reforms are discussed, and strategic decisions are called for. The link between patent policies and economic performance needs to become clearer, as the decisions to be taken are relevant ...