The world's top 10 most innovative countries in 2024

According to the latest Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024 by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the following countries have emerged as the top 10 most innovative nations in the world:

Switzerland: For the 14th consecutive year, Switzerland holds the top spot. The country is known for its strong performance in knowledge and technology outputs.

Sweden: Maintaining its second position, Sweden leads in infrastructure and business sophistication. It also ranks highly in human capital and research.

United States: The US remains third, excelling in the quality of its universities, scientific publications, and intellectual property receipts. It continues to be a powerhouse in software spending and technological advancements.

Singapore: Moving up to fourth place, Singapore leads in 14 out of 78 GII indicators, including innovation inputs. Its strategic focus on technology and business sophistication is not left out.

United Kingdom: The UK is fifth with its strong performances in innovation outputs and creative outputs. Its vibrant research community and high-quality institutions contribute significantly to its ranking.

South Korea: Climbing to sixth place, South Korea is recognised for its high R&D expenditures and production complexity. It ranks second globally in the number of researchers and R&D performed by businesses.

Finland: Finland's emphasis on education and research, coupled with its innovative business practices, secures its place in the top ten.

Netherlands: Known for its innovative business environment and strong knowledge absorption, the Netherlands is a global leader in innovation.

Germany: Germany's strong industrial base and strong focus on R&D make it a key player in global innovation. It excels in manufacturing and technological advancements.

Denmark: Denmark's innovative public sector and a strong emphasis on sustainability and green technologies help it maintain a top ten position.