(08.10.2025) Switzerland has topped the global innovation rankings for the 15th consecutive year. Sweden (2nd) and the United States (3rd) also retain their positions, according to the 2025 Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
With a score of 66.0 in 2024, Switzerland slipped 1.5 points compared to the previous year but still holds a clear lead over Sweden (62.6) and the United States (61.7). The Confederation performs particularly well in knowledge and technology (2nd), institutional quality (3rd) and market sophistication (3rd).
Further down the ranking, the Republic of Korea (4th / +2) overtakes Singapore (5th / –1) and the United Kingdom (6th / –1). For the first time, China (+1) enters the top 10, pushing Germany (–2) down to eleventh place. In 2024, Beijing strengthened its leadership in research and development (R&D) and innovation while consolidating its position in key fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and green technologies.
The 2025 edition of the index also introduces a new indicator that measures the degree to which universities are connected to the economy and their level of international openness. Switzerland ranks 5th worldwide on this measure, with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) leading among Swiss institutions.
According to WIPO, global innovation showed resilience in 2024. After a sharp drop in 2023, investment in scientific research and development partially recovered. Digital and green technologies continued to expand, while some cost-intensive innovations, such as electric vehicles and sanitation infrastructure, advanced more slowly.
The Global Innovation Index covers 139 economies and is based on 78 indicators, ranging from education spending and R&D investment to access to credit.
Last modification 08.10.2025
