WASHINGTON, DC-The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) today released a report highlighting Indiana’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 is vital to Indiana’s economy,” said Dr. Mark Esper, executive vice president of the Chamber’s GIPC. Esper said that in 2007, Indiana innovators received 1,385 patents, many in the pharmaceutical and biosciences industries. Accordingly, the state employs nearly 70,000 hi-tech workers. “The Indiana economy depends on the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurism,” added Esper.

Esper noted examples of Indiana’s commitment to innovation and creativity. In 2004, government and private research and development investment exceeded $5.1 billion. In 2007, over $750 million went towards university research and development.

“Indeed, Indianans are proven innovators,” said Esper. “The first commercially available insulin was introduced in 1923 by Indiana based company, Eli Lilly, which took its name from a well known pharmacist and Civil War veteran. That same company was the first to mass produce penicillin, and since then has expanded to collaborate with both private and publically funded researchers. America has a unique story to tell, and Indiana plays a large role in this story. Innovation and creativity are essential to economic growth and human advancement, and Indiana’s IP contributions reflect this.”

The Indiana 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.

For more information, please contact Trinh Nguyen at 202-462-5379.