Switzerland shields its position as the world‘s most innovative country

  • Background
    Please login or
    register
    26.07.2019
    Swiss flag

    While Switzerland maintains the first position as the most innovative country worldwide, as demonstrated by the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2019, other countries have moved up or down the ladder. Among the top 20, the U.S (3), Singapore (8) China (14) and Iceland (20) made the most significant move to the top.

    The GII report analyzes global innovation trends and the performance of approximately 130 economies. The 12th edition particularly sheds light on the role of medical innovation as it shapes the future of healthcare.

    For the 9th consecutive year, Switzerland has maintained its position and title as the world’s most innovative country while Sweden once again becomes the 2nd, as held already six times in the past. While the U.S. moves up to 3rd position, the Netherlands ranks 4th and the UK 5th position. Finland and Denmark follow, each gaining one position from 2018, taking 6th and 7th place respectively. Singapore ranks 8th this year and, for the third consecutive year, Germany holds the 9th spot. For the first time, Israel has entered the top 10, moving up one spot from 2018, marking the first occasion an economy from the Northern Africa and Western Asia region has featured in the top 10 rankings. Ireland leaves the top 10 and ranks 12th this year.
     
    In the top 20, a notable move is the Republic of Korea, which edges closer to the top 10. China continues its upward rise, moving to 14th (up from the 17th rank in 2018), and firmly establishes itself as one of the innovation leaders.
    Higher innovation output and creativity
    Another parameter that was taken into consideration is how effective economies are in translating innovation inputs into innovation outputs. Also here, Switzerland has ranked 1st in the Innovation Output Sub-Index and in the Knowledge and technology output pillar since 2012. It also keeps its 1st rank in the Creative outputs pillar since last year, consolidating once again its leadership in innovation outputs.

    Switzerland keeps its 2nd position in the Innovation Input Sub-Index. It improves its rank in three innovation input pillars: Market sophistication (up by 1); Business sophistication (up by 2); and notably Infrastructure (up by 5). In the latter, all improvements are In the Information and communication technologies (ICTs) sub-pillar; and notably in the Government’s online service, and E-participation indicators. In contrast, the country drops positions in two innovation inputs pillars: Institutions, and Human capital and research.

    In the quality of innovation, Switzerland is ranked 4th worldwide, after the U.S., Germany, and Japan. Its rank decreases this year in the metrics for quality of innovation, notably in the quality of local universities and the internationalization of local inventions.

    Switzerland is a world leader in several key innovation indicators, including PCT patent applications by origin (a spot it shares with Sweden and Finland); ICT services imports; IP receipts; FDI net outflows; and Environmental performance. Conversely, and relative to the top 25 in the GII 2019, it has opportunities to improve in Ease of starting a business, Ease of resolving insolvency, and Ease of protecting minority investors.

    Top 20 countries
    1. Switzerland (1 in 2018)
    2. Sweden (3)
    3. The United States of America (6)
    4. The Netherlands (2)
    5. The United Kingdom (4)
    6. Finland (7)
    7. Denmark (8)
    8. Singapore (5)
    9. Germany (9)
    10. Israel (11)
    11. Korea Republic (12)
    12. Ireland (10)
    13. Hong Kong (China) (14)
    14. China (17)
    15. Japan (13)
    16. France (16)
    17. Canada (18)
    18. Luxemburg (15)
    19. Norway (19)
    20. Iceland (23)
    Further information about the GII 2019 can be downloaded at the GII website.

    (RAN)

    0Comments

    Commenting guidelines

  • Background
    rss