MIND THE GAP-THE USPTO'S EFFORTS TO NARROW THE GENDER GAP IN PATENTING AND INNOVATION

摘要

The under-representation of women in scientific research and patenting is well documented — as are the pipeline problems of retaining women as they advance in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. Disparities in these fields emerge by high school and only grow wider as careers progress through graduate school, the workforce, and the patent application process. These disparities deprive the economy of important innovation and entrepreneurship (1). As part of its mission to foster a more innovative U.S. economy, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is committed to supporting diversity in its own workforce and among future generations of inventors.