Americans Are Losing Patience with Innovation That Doesn't Make Life Better, New Poll from PMI U.S. Finds

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Nearly 8 in 10 Americans surveyed say the country is innovating in the wrong areas, while 86% say the most meaningful innovations are not the headline makers but those that solve problems ordinary people face every day. STAMFORD, Conn., June 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans are not losing faith in innovation. They are losing patience with innovation that asks for applause before it delivers proof. A new nationwide survey from Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses (PMI U.S.) finds that Americans still believe innovation can help build a better future—but only if it makes life more affordable, safer, healthier, or easier to navigate in the communities where people live. Innovation has long been a driver of America's economic growth, prosperity, and opportunity. As a company rooted in science and technology, PMI U.S. commissioned The Harris Poll to conduct this research to better understand Americans' expectations of innovation and where they believe it can make the greatest difference in their daily lives. The findings reveal a growing credibility challenge for companies: while 76% of Americans surveyed say innovation will play a major role in building the nation's future, 81% say corporate rhetoric about innovation often feels disconnected from real-world problems, and nearly 8 in 10 (79%) believe the country is innovating in the wrong areas. The message is clear: Americans still believe in the power of innovation, but they want it focused on solving tangible problems and delivering meaningful benefits in their communities. "Americans are not rejecting innovation. They are rejecting innovation that feels detached from their lives," said Stacey Kennedy, CEO, PMI U.S. "Companies need to show that what they are building solves real problems, serves real people, and strengthens real communities. That is the standard PMI U.S. is working to meet." The findings suggest that innovation has a permission problem. More than three-quarters of respondents (77%) agree that too much innovation today feels designed for hype rather than impact. Nearly 9 in 10 (86%) say the most meaningful innovation solves real-world problems people face every day, and 89% say they are more likely to believe a company's innovation claims when they can see tangible benefits at the local level. In short: Novelty is not enough. Americans want usefulness they can see. The survey also...

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