I'm sure this is true. After all, the transporter was "invented" when the props for the shuttlecraft weren't ready for the first shoot. Someone said, "well, let's just have them appear on the surface" and presto, you've inspired thousands of people to try to create a transporter.

And it's a well-known fact that the inventor of the cell phone credited ST's communicators as his inspiration. http://www.editinternational.com/read.php?id=4810edf3a83f8