This graphic organizes data about the rates of patent filing worldwide. Interestingly, it seems to have spurred an online discussion whereby the chosen data has been put to question. Specifically, the graphic appears to make no distinction between different industries and the innovations produced by them. The electronnic industry, for example, is known for rapidly producing patents, while other industries have a slower rate of patent adoption. As a result, countries whose innovation is highly dependent on the electronics industry will produce a higher number of patents annualy—the basis of "innnovation" in this set of data. As a result of this data selection, the infographic identifies Korea as the world's leader in producing innovation. Is this an accurate conclusion?
The graphic does a fine job of representing the data in an easily-decipherable visual way—perhaps a title tied to "Patent Filing" rather than "Innovation" would more accurately describe what the graphic represents.Credit: Grant Thornton Accounting