The individual inventor as a driver of social and sustainable innovations in Sweden: Understanding their motivations, the invention process, and why patents matter less

Abstract: Individual inventors have played an important role in shaping modern economic growth with their inventions. However, the upsurge in corporate and institutionalised research and development (R&D) has overshadowed the individual inventor in both academia and policy research. In Sweden, the individual inventor continues to provide socially and environmentally beneficial innovations that solve problems faced by themselves and other members of their communities. Globally, patent applications by individual inventors have dwindled leading researchers to question the role and importance of the individual inventor. On the contrary, individual inventors are choosing not to patent their ideas due to frequent patent infringements they witness from large firms. This study researches the motives of the individual inventor to invent and why that is motiving them not to either patent their inventions or how patents matter less to them. Using a case-study approach, within-case and across-case analyses are done to explore commonalities and differences with individual inventors. Eight (8) individual inventors were selected for interviews in addition to answering questions via online interview forms. The study found that both inventors with patents and without patents were motivated by their desire to contribute to society and to promote a cleaner environment. Patents mattered less to the individual inventor but rather trade secrets, brands and partnerships with existing firms were more important to the individual inventor in developing their inventions for end users. Also, product development and market launch are critical to promoting individual inventors.