The National Science Board rated Idaho first in generating high-technology patents per 1,000 individuals in science and engineering occupations. Idaho earned 81.5 patents per 1,000 scientists and researchers, more than double the rate of the next closest state, California, which posted a figure of 38.3.

The NSB report noted that the Idaho number reflected "the presence of a high-patenting Department of Energy National Laboratory" - INEEL - which contributed to its significant generation of patents and inventions. In its coverage of the NSB report, the Associated Press produced an international story and noted that the state of Idaho has pursued a high-tech strategy that is supported by the presence of a national laboratory, Micron Technology, Hewlett Packard, and many spin-off companies from these enterprises.

Details of the report are contained in the National Science Board report "Science and Engineering Indicators 2004," Volume 1 (http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/seind04/pdf/volume1.pdf) on pages 46-47 in Chapter 8.

INEEL patent database: http://www.inel.gov/techtransfer/patentSearch.asp

Inventors Hall of Fame: http://www.inel.gov/techtransfer/halloffame/

License an INEEL technology: http://www.inel.gov/techtransfer/licensing/