Chamber Study Highlights Delaware’s Innovative Contributions
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) today released a report highlighting Delaware’s contributions to America’s innovation economy. This study is part of GIPC’s State Fact Sheets, which provide a look at the roles innovation and creativity play in each state. The report highlights local companies and facts demonstrating how innovation and creativity—which are safeguarded by strong IP rights—serve as a driving force behind economic recovery and future growth.
“Innovation and creativity are vital to Delaware’s economy,” said Dr. Mark Esper, executive vice president of the Chamber’s GIPC. In 2007, Delaware innovators received 359 patents. In 2008, Delaware ranked first nationally in industry investment by the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation’s State New Economy Index, and, businesses involved in the creation and distribution of copyrighted materials grew to more than 1,400, an increase of 13.7 percent over the previous year.
Esper noted examples of innovation and creativity in Delaware. The state is a leader in biotechnology innovation and cancer research. In 1999, it created the Biotechnology Institute with more than $126 million in federal and state funding, university grants, and private sector support. The institute creates new business opportunities and new jobs through the support of technology development and connecting research and education with economic development.
“Indeed, Delawareans are proven innovators,” said Esper. Wilmington-born Henry Heimlich created medical innovations, which include the Heimlich Maneuver and the Heimlich Flutter Valve. Inspired by wounded soldiers, Heimlich formed the Flutter Valve in order to allow air and blood to drain from a collapsed lung, and help save lives. Additionally, Oliver Evans built the first automatic flour mill, and received the first patent for a steam-powered land vehicle. “America has a unique story to tell, and Delaware plays a large role in this story. Innovation and creativity are essential to economic growth and human advancement, and Delaware’s IP contributions reflect this.”
The Delaware State Fact Sheet is intended to be a resource for legislators, policymakers, and the public to identify successful companies, inventors, creative artists, and innovators to better understand the role they play in our economy and society. As part of an easy-to-use, interactive map, the State Fact Sheet project can be accessed online at www.theglobalipcenter.com, as well as in a printable format.
The Chamber’s Global Intellectual Property Center is working around the world to champion intellectual property (IP) as vital to creating jobs, saving lives, advancing global economic growth, and generating breakthrough solutions to global challenges.
The U.S. Chamber is the world’s largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.
