Kathi Vidal has spent her career at the heart of American innovation — first as an engineer, then as Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. But as she explains in this episode, the system that fuels invention and economic growth is far from equitable. Just 12-13% of patents are granted to women, and the numbers are even lower for other underrepresented groups.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Vidal shares why intellectual property matters, how the U.S.-China rivalry over innovation is evolving, and why inclusive inventing isn’t just good for equity — it’s essential for solving global challenges. From climate solutions to AI to pocket therapists for kids, this episode reveals how expanding who gets to invent can shape the future for all of us.

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