"In the knowledge based economy of the 21st century nothing is going to be more important than being able to invent the new and to re-invent the old.” 

A driving force of America’s economy and culture.  “Invention is an integral part of the American spirit. Fueled by pure entrepreneurial zeal (or just plain avarice) this native creative brilliance is one of the driving forces of the nation's economy and culture.”  (Richard Pachter, “Guidebooks for inventors prove both amusing and helpful,” Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service, November 29, 2001)  Explore inventor guidebooks online.

Independent inventors are a valuable intellectual and economic resource.  "America’s independent inventors are a valuable intellectual and economic resource. It is independent inventors, who discovered the pacemaker, and brought us the elevator, and the liquid crystal display."  (Q. Todd Dickinson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office press release, October 1, 1999)

Key to creativity, economic growth and tax revenues for local public services.  “Strong intellectual property protection spurs creativity, which opens new opportunities for businesses, governments and workers…. When local entrepreneurs have a legitimate way to sell their innovations and make a profit from their programming, they can grow their own businesses and hire more people. That, in turn, drives up spending in the local economy and increases tax revenues that help fund important public services.”  (Robert Holleyman, president, Business Software Alliance quoted in Business Software Alliance press release, “New Economic Impact Study Details Benefits of Strong Copyright Protection,” Washington, D.C., April 2, 2003)  Discover more detailed information and statistics about the damages inflicted by intellectual property piracy and counterfeiting.

In the 21st century, nothing is going to be more important than the ability to invent.  "In the knowledge based economy of the 21st century nothing is going to be more important than being able to invent the new and to re-invent the old. In this environment, being an inventor has to be seen as a normal activity and not something reserved for geniuses.”  Professor Lester C. Thurow, chairman of the Lemelson-MIT Awards Board quoted in Lemelson-MIT program press release, “Despite Geek Image, Inventors Respected By Teens,” Cambridge, MA, January 10, 2001).  Discover books about inventing by Lester C. Thurow.

Biggest toy successes were invented by independent inventors.  “The biggest hits, such as the Cabbage Patch dolls, Super Soakers or games like Uno, Trivial Pursuit and Candyland, were created by independent inventors, and it was an independent inventor who created one of the greatest sensations in toy-making history back in 1998, an interactive animatronic creature called Furby.” (Liane Hansen, All Things Considered (NPR), “Profile: Independent toy inventor Richard C. Levy,” June 18, 2002) Peruse toy inventor biographies. Discover toy inventor games.