Ethnic Inventors: A Critical Survey of the Contribution of People of Middle Eastern Ethnic Backgrounds to the US Innovation System

Abstract

We study the contribution of inventors with a background from the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region to the US innovation system. Matching 2,500 MENA specific first names with WIPO patent documents, we provide evidence of the role this community plays in the US innovation system. We find that the share of inventors in total inventive activity with a MENA background has increased considerably in the last 20 years. They concentrate in California and tend to specialize in computers, communication and software, as well as in medical and veterinary sciences. They are also active in technology areas that are core competencies for their employers.