2011 Lemelson-MIT Invention Index Uncovers: Inventive Perception among Young Americans

Beginning of article

Invention and innovation are essential to remaining globally competitive, and a new survey shows an untapped group of potential inventors in the U.S.

The annual Lemelson-MIT Invention Index, which gauges Americans' perceptions about invention and innovation, this year surveyed young men and women ages 16-25. Almost three in four young women (71 percent) indicate they are creative, the characteristic they most associate with inventors (63 percent); however, less than one in three (27 percent) describe themselves as inventive. Men also follow this trend; 66 percent say they are creative, but only 39 percent describe themselves as inventive ...

The Lemelson-MIT …