Innovation Insights Blog
Each month, we take a deep dive into one determinant of innovation that constitutes the Global Innovation Index (GII), often together with the GII data collaborators. In this blog series, we unveil unique Innovation Insights, untangling the complexities, and driving forces of the most up-and-coming innovation nations.
The short posts and articles included in this Series typically report in more detail on indicators used in the Global Innovation Index, with timely analysis and updated rankings. The findings reflect the underlying data; any views expressed in them are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of WIPO or its member states.
End of Year Edition – Despite the Odds, Global R&D Spending Grew Again in 2024, Inching Closer to the USD 3 Trillion Mark
December 23, 2025
As many economies navigate an uneven recovery, R&D data tells an uplifting story: global R&D spending is still rising, edging closer to the USD 3 trillion mark, and more middle-income economies are building R&D systems at impressive speeds.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Megadeals Fuel Venture Capital Rebound, but Hide Deepening Geographic and Sectoral Divides
November 30, 2025
While global venture capital (VC) activity appears to have regained momentum after the sharp boom-and-bust cycle of 2020–2023, the recovery is uneven, driven by AI-related megadeals and concentrated in the United States.
Universities in High-Income Economies Remain the Most Connected Globally, While Universities in Hong Kong, China, the Netherlands, the United States, Qatar, Iran, Brazil, And South Africa Drive Regional Progress
November 4, 2025
The Global Innovation Index (GII) tracks how economies perform in innovation — from research investment to technology diffusion. Within its Business Sophistication pillar, the Innovation Linkages sub-pillar captures a critical question: how effectively do universities, firms, and governments collaborate to turn ideas into impact?
Revisiting the 2025 GII Ranking of World’s Top 100 Innovation Clusters: New Venture Capital Deals Metric
October 2, 2025
The Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 ranks the world’s top 100 innovation clusters, emphasizing their important contribution to national innovation systems.
Global Brand Value Tops USD 14 Trillion in 2024; China, India, Brazil, Mexico and Viet Nam among the top; Egypt and Kazakhstan rising
August 22, 2025
Which emerging economies are gaining ground in brand value and which industries account for the largest share?
The United States Continues to Lead High-Impact Scientific Publications by Far; China, India, South Africa and Türkiye Catching Up
July 31, 2025
When it comes to true scientific influence and eminence, the number of papers a researcher or institution publishes only tells part of the story. The real measure lies in the quality and far-reaching impact of the scientific contributions, especially those that drive innovation and progress across entire economies.
International Trade in Ideas, Know-how and Intellectual Property Surpasses 1 trillion in 2023; the US and Japan, as Well as Ireland and China Lead
June 26, 2025
The growing global trade in intellectual property reflects how economies increasingly exchange knowledge across borders. Which countries are leading IP exporters, and which are the largest importers? Explore the global flows here.
Global Software Spending Surges to Close to USD 700 Billion in 2024, up 50% From 2020; the United States Extends its Lead
June 2, 2025
Tracing the post-pandemic shift in software investment—and its critical role in powering AI and digital transformation.
Global Film Production Hits Historic High, Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels
April 30, 2025
Which box office releases in Italy outperformed international blockbusters Barbie and Oppenheimer?
High-Tech Exports Surge 9% in 2024, but Uncertainty Looms Amid Trade Tensions
March 31, 2025
Which sector is driving the surge, and can it sustain growth amid rising trade tensions or will it disrupt the momentum?