Chamber Study Highlights Nebraska’s Innovative Contributions
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) today released a report highlighting Nebraska’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 Nebraska’s economy,” said Dr. Mark Esper, executive vice president of the Chamber’s GIPC. In 2007, Nebraska innovators received 254 patents and spent more than $330 million dollars on research and development. Additionally, more than 2,900 businesses in Nebraska are involved in the creation and distribution of certain copyrighted works, which is a 6.9 percent increase since 2007.
Esper noted examples of innovation and creativity in Nebraska. Nebraska places a high priority on their high-tech industries, which employ more than 30,000 people, with average wages of more than $57,000 in 2005 alone. Additionally, the software industry in Nebraska employs nearly 400 people who earn more than $24 million in wages.
“Indeed, Nebraskans are proven innovators,” said Esper. In 1908, David City native Joyce Hall created the “Norfolk Post Card Company,” which became what is now known as “Hallmark.” In addition, “Kool-Ade,” a popular powered soft drink mix, was created by Edwin Perkins. “America has a unique story to tell, and Nebraska plays a large role in this story. Innovation and creativity are essential to economic growth and human advancement, and Nebraska’s IP contributions reflect this.”
The Nebraska 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.
