Reviewed 1 April 2009

Net named number one

British brainpower comes out on top in new list of greatest modern inventions

  • 37% of Brits say internet is greatest modern invention
  • Washing machine cleans up with one in seven women giving it the thumbs up

The Internet has been named the greatest modern invention according to the results of a nationwide poll released today. Taking 37% of the vote, it beat other more recent innovations like the mobile phone and mp3 player to the top spot.

The study, by the Intellectual Property Office, also revealed that the divide between the sexes is still alive and well. While the washing machine liberated British women from domestic drudgery in the 50s, it’s still as important 60 years later, taking second place in the poll (14%). In contrast, men lived up to their reputation as gadget lovers and voted the PC as their number two (20%). Almost half a million* women said hair straighteners were the greatest modern invention.

TV came in third place overall (12%) but for the younger generation of 18-24 year olds who have grown up accessing music, video and news through computers and mobile phones it only attracted 3% of the vote compared to nearly a fifth (17%) of over 55s.

The good news is that home-grown brainpower has had a hand in all our top inventions. British scientist, Tim Berners Lee, invented the World Wide Web, through which we all view the pages on the Internet, in 1991. The earliest computers date back as far as 1822 when Charles Babbage started work on his ‘Difference Engine’. The first UK patent for a washing machine dates to 1691. Scottish inventor, John Logie Baird was the first person to publically demonstrate TV to the world in 1926.

The research was conducted to mark the opening of a brand new exhibition at the Science Museum dedicated to the UK’s best loved fictional inventors, Wallace and Gromit. In partnership with Aardman Animations and the Intellectual Property Office, the Cracking Ideas exhibition is designed to inspire a new generation of British innovators. The experience features Wallace’s own cracking contraptions such as the Tellyscope II, the Piella Propellor and the Blend-o-Matic.

Trevor Baylis, who invented the wind up radio in 1989, says: "The availability of superfast broadband and the phenomenal growth of social networking sites mean many of us can’t imagine life without the Internet.

"It’s great to see UK inventions coming out on top in this poll. We’ve led the way in the world of inventing since 1449 when Henry VI granted the first patent. By ensuring we remain innovative and protect our ‘cracking ideas’ we can help the UK continue to lead the rest of the world."

Lawrence Smith-Higgins, Head of Business Outreach and Education at the Intellectual Property Office, says:

"The future of the UK’s economy depends on developing and protecting the inventions of the future. From today’s hi tech gadgets to Wallace and Gromit’s countless ingenious inventions, it’s vitally important the next generation are encouraged to follow in their footsteps and become the inventors of the future."

For more information or to arrange an interview with Trevor Baylis or David Lammy, please contact the Intellectual Property Office team at Eulogy! on:

E-mail: intellectualpropertyoffice@eulogy.co.uk

Telephone: 020 7927 9999

Notes to editors

  • All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,977 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 10 - 12 March 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).* Figures based on ONS population estimates for 2007 of females aged 18+.
  • The Intellectual Property Office is within the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills and responsible for the national framework of Intellectual Property rights, comprising patents, designs, trade marks and copyright.
  • Its role is to help manage an IP system that encourages innovation and creativity, balances the needs of consumers and users, promotes strong and competitive markets and is the foundation of the knowledge based economy.
  • It operates in a national and an international environment and its work is governed by national and international law, including various international treaties relating to IP to which the United Kingdom is a party.
  • The Intellectual Property Office web site can be found at www.ipo.gov.uk.
  • The exhibition will take visitors on a tour of 62 West Wallaby Street, the famous home of Wallace & Gromit, where they can take in objects from the Science Museum’s collections, which reflect the spirit of innovation, whilst interacting with some of Wallace’s own cracking contraptions. Visitors will be encouraged to come up with their own creative ideas, which they can jot down and leave at ‘Ideas Stations’ located in the Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Bathroom, Workshop and Garden.
  • The experience will open at the Science Museum on Saturday 28 March and run until Sunday 1 November. Ticket prices: Adults: £9.00, Conc: £7.00, Family (1 Adult, 2 Children): £21.00, Family (2 Adults, 2 Children): £30.00

Date of release: 24 March 2009