Chamber Study Highlights Washington’s Innovative Contributions
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) today released a report highlighting Washington’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 Washington’s economy,” said Dr. Mark Esper, executive vice president of the Chamber’s GIPC. In 2006, the video game industry employed over 9,000 people throughout the state, adding $497.2 million to the economy. Furthermore, in 2006 the film industry contributed $321 million in local wages for twenty-four movies and television productions filmed in Washington.
Esper noted examples of innovation and creativity in Washington. In 2007, Washington innovators received 3,894 patents, ranking fourth in the nation. Additionally, Washington ranks second in the nation for innovation capacity, and third in the nation for high-tech employment.
“Indeed, Washingtonians are proven innovators,” said Esper. Seattle-native Chester Carlson created the dry ink reproduction process, which contributed to the xerography machines and inspired the name of the Xerox Corporation. In 1984, two Washingtonian engineers created the prototype Avion automobile, which was a sports car that set the world record for fuel economy at 103.7 MPG.“America has a unique story to tell, and Washington plays a large role in this story. Innovation and creativity are essential to economic growth and human advancement, and Washington’s IP contributions reflect this.”
The Washington 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.
