China has entered the top 10 of the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Global Innovation Index (GII) for the first time, replacing Germany. The 2025 ranking places Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore at the top, followed by the United Kingdom, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, and China.
The GII evaluates nearly 140 economies using around 80 indicators, including research and development (R&D) spending, venture capital (VC) activity, high-tech exports, and intellectual property filings. It is regarded as a benchmark for policymakers and business leaders to measure and strengthen innovation performance.
Now in its 18th edition, the GII highlights continued progress among middle-income economies, led by China (10th), India (38th), Türkiye (43rd), Viet Nam (44th), the Philippines (50th), Indonesia (55th), and Morocco (57th). Other fast climbers since 2020 include Saudi Arabia (46th), Qatar (48th), Brazil (52nd), Mauritius (53rd), Bahrain (62nd), and Jordan (65th).
Global rankings – top 10, 2025
Germany, which ranked 9th in 2024, dropped to 11th this year.
Key findings from GII 2025
Seventeen low- and middle-income economies, including India and Viet Nam, performed above expectations for their level of development. Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the largest number of overperforming economies, with South Africa (61st), Senegal (89th), and Rwanda (104th) leading the region.
WIPO Director General Daren Tang said the GII 2025 highlights both progress and challenges, underscoring the need for policies, investments, and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen innovation ecosystems.
The Global Innovation Index, produced annually since 2007, is developed by WIPO in partnership with the Portulans Institute.
The GII evaluates nearly 140 economies using around 80 indicators, including research and development (R&D) spending, venture capital (VC) activity, high-tech exports, and intellectual property filings. It is regarded as a benchmark for policymakers and business leaders to measure and strengthen innovation performance.
Now in its 18th edition, the GII highlights continued progress among middle-income economies, led by China (10th), India (38th), Türkiye (43rd), Viet Nam (44th), the Philippines (50th), Indonesia (55th), and Morocco (57th). Other fast climbers since 2020 include Saudi Arabia (46th), Qatar (48th), Brazil (52nd), Mauritius (53rd), Bahrain (62nd), and Jordan (65th).
Global rankings – top 10, 2025
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- United States of America
- Republic of Korea
- Singapore
- United Kingdom
- Finland
- Netherlands
- Denmark
- China
Germany, which ranked 9th in 2024, dropped to 11th this year.
Key findings from GII 2025
- R&D growth slowed: Global R&D spending increased by 2.9% in 2024, down from 4.4% in 2023, marking the slowest growth since 2010. WIPO projects further slowdown to 2.3% in 2025.
- Corporate R&D spending rose only 1% in real terms, compared to a decade-long average of 4.6%. ICT, AI, software, and pharmaceutical firms expanded budgets, while automotive and consumer goods companies cut back.
- Venture capital trends: Global VC deal values rose 7.7% in 2024, driven by U.S. megadeals and AI investment. Without AI-related deals, VC activity would have declined. The total number of deals fell 4.4%, continuing a three-year downward trend.
- Intellectual property filings: International patent applications via WIPO increased slightly (+0.5%), led by 7% growth from the Republic of Korea, but declined in the U.S., Japan, and Germany.
- Technology indicators: Battery prices and supercomputer efficiency improved, genome sequencing costs declined, and high-speed rail networks expanded. Robotics and electric vehicle adoption slowed.
- Socioeconomic indicators: Labor productivity and life expectancy rose, while poverty rates declined.
Seventeen low- and middle-income economies, including India and Viet Nam, performed above expectations for their level of development. Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the largest number of overperforming economies, with South Africa (61st), Senegal (89th), and Rwanda (104th) leading the region.
WIPO Director General Daren Tang said the GII 2025 highlights both progress and challenges, underscoring the need for policies, investments, and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen innovation ecosystems.
The Global Innovation Index, produced annually since 2007, is developed by WIPO in partnership with the Portulans Institute.
REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX 2025
The World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 shows shifting dynamics in global innovation, with China joining the top 10 and several emerging economies advancing rapidly. Here are the key regional takeaways.
Asia-Pacific
Europe
Americas
Middle East & North Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa
The World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 shows shifting dynamics in global innovation, with China joining the top 10 and several emerging economies advancing rapidly. Here are the key regional takeaways.
Asia-Pacific
- China entered the top 10 for the first time (10th), reflecting its growing role in global R&D, high-tech exports, and patent filings.
- Republic of Korea (4th) and Singapore (5th) remain among the world’s top innovation hubs, supported by strong digital economies and high investment in AI and advanced manufacturing.
- India (38th), Viet Nam (44th), the Philippines (50th), and Indonesia (55th) continue their steady rise, outperforming many peers at their income levels.
- Japan (13th) and Hong Kong, China (16th) remain strong performers but slipped slightly compared to previous years.
Europe
- Switzerland (1st) and Sweden (2nd) maintained their long-standing leadership positions.
- Germany fell out of the top 10 for the first time, dropping from 9th in 2024 to 11th in 2025.
- Finland (7th), Netherlands (8th), and Denmark (9th) are consolidating Northern Europe’s strength in innovation.
- France (13th) and Italy (28th) improved slightly, while Eastern European economies such as Estonia (20th) and Czechia (25th) continued to build momentum.
Americas
- United States (3rd) remains a global leader, driven by corporate R&D, venture capital, and AI breakthroughs.
- Canada (17th) performed strongly, particularly in scientific research and clean technologies.
- Brazil rose to 52nd, reflecting progress in research infrastructure and growing VC activity.
- Mexico (57th) and Chile (53rd) remain regional innovation leaders in Latin America, while Argentina (66th) showed modest gains.
Middle East & North Africa
- Saudi Arabia (46th) and Qatar (48th) recorded some of the fastest improvements since 2020, driven by large-scale investment in technology and education.
- United Arab Emirates (32nd) continues to lead the region in digital innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems.
- Morocco (57th) emerged as a new standout, outperforming expectations at its income level.
- Jordan (65th) showed consistent progress, particularly in human capital and R&D capacity.
Sub-Saharan Africa
- South Africa (61st) remains the region’s top performer.
- Mauritius (53rd) continued its strong upward trajectory, becoming one of the few African nations to reach the top 60.
- Senegal (89th) and Rwanda (104th) are among the notable overperformers relative to income levels.
- Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for the largest number of economies performing above expectations, despite limited resources compared to other regions.