Global Innovation Index 2023 – Innovation in the face of uncertainty (wipo.int)
Here is a summary of the achievements that helped place these countries among the world’s top 15 innovators :
1. Switzerland : In the Global Innovation Index 2023, it maintains its top position for the 13th year in a row. A strong innovation ecosystem is supported by well-established research institutions, high levels of R&D spending and a favorable regulatory environment.
2. Sweden : Leads the world in business sophistication and has the highest-rated researchers. High performance in the field of human capital contributes to its high position.
3. United States of America : Home of Silicon Valley and world-renowned universities. The US scores highest in R&D investment.
4. United Kingdom : The UK’s strengths lie in its knowledge-intensive services and global R&D companies. It is in 3rd place for the sophistication of the market.
5. Singapore : With its strategic location, pro-business policies and emphasis on knowledge-based industries, Singapore is the top-ranked Asian country.
6. Finland : First place in the world in terms of infrastructure. An emphasis on education and research, together with a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors, is the driving force behind its innovative success.
7. Holland : 8th place in the world in terms of business sophistication. Thanks to its open economy and strategic location in Europe, it is the center of innovation and business.
8. Germany : Germany ranks 4th in human capital and research. It is a world leader in technology-driven manufacturing and innovation.
9. Denmark : Denmark ranked 3rd for infrastructure and tops the list for environmental performance in this category.
10. Republic of Korea : South Korea’s R&D investment budget increased by 7.1% in 2021. The emphasis on electronics and telecommunications has made it a technological powerhouse in Asia.
11. France : Scored high for industrial designs and original trademarks. France is known for its commitment to digital innovation, especially in areas such as AI and fintech.
12. China : China’s R&D spending is the second largest in the world after the US, and its investment in research grew by 9.8% in the latest ranking.
13. Japan : Home to the largest science and technology cluster in the world, headquartered in Tokyo-Yokohama, Japan is the top 3 Asian country for patent applications.
14. Israel : Often referred to as the “start-up nation”, it ranks 5th in the world in terms of knowledge and technological output.
15. Canada : Canadian research institutions and government policies support innovation. It is in 4th place in the world for the sophistication of the market.
Regional innovation powers
The first 15 ratings in WIPO’s administration tell only part of the story. When we look at the leading innovators in the regions , countries including Türkiye, Senegal and Kazakhstan have joined the nations leading the way.
Technologies for a better future
The outputs of these leading innovation countries are the driving force behind some of the world’s most advanced technologies. The World Economic Forum’s Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2023 highlights the breakthroughs that are driving large-scale transformation across industries and societies.
The administration is exploring how products as diverse as generative artificial intelligence, sustainable aviation fuels, implanted crop sensors and neural electronics can transform lives and help us towards a future defined by a stable climate, thriving biodiversity, productive crops and longer, happier and healthier human lives .
The role of technology in moving into the digital age was high on the agenda of the Global Future Councils (GFC) 2023 Annual Meeting , which took place in Dubai on 16-18 October 2023. Members of the GFC Forum discussed the role of AI and explored how we can create the growth needed to support the global population in a sustainable way.