Ohio Among Nation’s Leaders in Driving Innovation Economy
WASHINGTON, DC-The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) today released a report highlighting Ohio’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.
“Ohio is a leader in America’s innovative and creative economy,” said Dr. Mark Esper, executive vice president of the Chamber’s GIPC. “In 2007 alone, Ohio innovators received 3,062 patents, ranking 10th in the nation. Additionally, film production in Ohio contributed $500 million in local wages. The Ohio economy depends on the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurism.”
Esper noted that Ohio’s polymer manufacturing industry contributes $50 billion in annual revenues and employs more than 140,000 people in 2,800 companies across the state. As the home of innovative businesses such as Proctor and Gamble, Cleveland Clinic, Parker Hannifin Corporation and Owens Corning, Ohio thrives on the intellectual property-driven industries.
“Indeed, Ohioans are proven innovators,” said Esper. “The first incandescent light bulb, phonograph, early motion picture camera, and teflon are just a few examples of great ideas that originated from Ohio natives. America has a unique story to tell, and Ohio plays a large role in this story. Innovation and creativity are essential to economic growth and human advancement, and Ohio’s IP contributions reflect this.”
The Ohio 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.
