Global leaders in innovations
The top 10 positions of the Global Innovation Index usually show the same 12 countries taking turns. This year, however, there is also one country from the Northern Africa and Western Asia region. This is Israel, which occupies the tenth spot. Israel is a world leader in developing applications, innovative forms of business and outputs of knowledge and technology.
Where are the most innovative countries?
The most innovative countries in the rankings of the INSEAD business school are still mostly from Europe.
Switzerland was first – for the ninth year in a row. It leads in intellectual property and environmental performance. Sweden is second, being strong in education and knowledge diffusion measures. The United States were third.
The Netherlands (fourth) has excellent results in IP payments and regulatory quality. The UK was fifth thanks to its scientific publications and universities. Finland (sixth) is doing very well in patents, rule of law and resolving insolvencies. Denmark (seventh) is good at ICT use and government online services. Germany was ninth.
Singapore (eighth) is the Asian leader in innovation.
China, however, continues to climb up the rankings. It is doing well in originating patents and high-tech net exports. Vietnam is the top innovation country in the lower-middle income group. Thailand and Vietnam are both approaching 40th position. Some parts of Asia are improving considerably, whereas other regions such as Latin America or Africa are progressing at a slower pace.
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