Throughout its history, America has been recognized as among the most innovative countries in the world, producing some of the greatest technological and scientific advances the world has ever seen. While the United States represents only 5 percent of the world s population, it accounts for nearly one-third of the world s science and engineering researchers and 40 percent of all research and development, according to the Council on CompetitivenessHowever, with increased economic competition from countries around the world, experts recommend that steps be taken to ensure that the U.S. maintains its longstanding leadership in the global marketplace. An important first step is sharing our culture of innovation with the next generation of inventors. In an effort to help inspire a new generation of inventors, the Ad Council partnered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and The National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation to launch the national Inspiring Invention PSA campaign in April 2007. Research conducted for the campaign found that today s children, although naturally curious and inventive, do not realize the impact of their creativity. The new PSAs aim to help children realize that there is a role for every kind of unique curiosity and imaginative idea as it relates to invention. The ads urge children (ages 8 to 11) to make innovation, invention and the development of new ideas an integral part of their lives and encourages them to visit a new Web site, www.InventNow.org. Ultimately, the goal is to motivate children to pursue inventing and innovating as part of their educations and, later, in their careers.
