What does this indicator measure?

This indicator measures the total number of patent applications, unique inventors, and patent applications per 1,000 workers in the Syracuse, Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA’s).  Where applicable the 100 Largest and All Metro areas are included.  The indicators were all compiled based on 10 years of data (2001 to 2010).

Patenting activity is a good predictor of commercialization; and the commercialization of innovation, or the process of bringing knowledge to market, is the crucial driver of innovation. Patent figures certainly do not capture all aspects of innovation, but they are a useful, tested, and proven proxy.–explanation courtesy of the Brookings Institute