The 2022 Global Innovation Index evaluates innovation across 132 economies, highlighting Switzerland as the top innovator for the 12th year. Key themes include resilience in science investments amidst economic downturns and the potential future impact of major innovation waves, with Tokyo-Yokohama named the leading science and technology hub.
The 2022 Global Innovation Index (GII) provides insight into current innovation trends amid the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and sluggish productivity growth. This year’s report evaluates approximately 132 economies, ranking them based on their innovation capabilities, while addressing critical questions about the future of innovation-driven growth amidst fears of stagnation or the dawn of a new era of economic uplift driven by groundbreaking innovations. For the twelfth consecutive year, Switzerland claims the title of the most innovative economy, followed closely by the United States, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Notably, China inches closer to the top 10, while Türkiye and India mark their debut in the top 40 for the first time, underscoring significant advancements in global innovation. The report identifies Tokyo-Yokohama as the world’s leading science and technology innovation cluster in 2022, with Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou, Beijing, Seoul, and San Jose-San Francisco not far behind. These hubs exemplify the vibrant concentration of inventors and scientific talent crucial for fostering technological advancements and economic growth. Additionally, the Global Innovation Tracker highlights the resilience of science and innovation investments despite economic headwinds, revealing a positive growth rate in technology adoption. Yet, it also reflects a concerning downturn in the socioeconomic impact of innovation, revealing how the pandemic has dulled its promise and potential. Historically, innovation has significantly driven economic growth and productivity, but the gap since the 1970s raises concerns about future stagnation. Experts in the report discuss the potential for two innovation waves—the Digital Age and Deep Science Innovation—to elevate economic prospects, exploring whether these emerging technologies may invigorate productivity and progress in meaningful ways.
The Global Innovation Index serves as a vital benchmark for assessing the innovation performance of economies worldwide. As economies grapple with post-pandemic recovery and productivity challenges, understanding the dynamics of innovation is more critical than ever. This year’s edition emphasizes the dual themes of evaluating current economic standings while pondering the potential for future innovation to spur economic growth.
The Global Innovation Index 2022 reveals the significant role innovation continues to play in economic dynamics, highlighting global leaders in innovation and the resilience of science despite contemporary challenges. With the spotlight on upcoming technological advancements, the future could yield either a period of stagnation or groundbreaking growth—potentially setting the stage for a new era characterized by transformative innovations and enhanced productivity.
Original Source: www.wipo.int
