Vietnam rises to 43rd in 2026 Global Innovation Index

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has released the 2026 Global Innovation Index (GII), ranking Vietnam 43rd out of 139 economies. This represents a one-place increase from 2025 and a significant 16-place rise since 2016, when the country was ranked 59th.

Vietnam’s innovation output ranking improved by two places, moving from 37th to 35th globally. The country maintains its position as the 2nd highest-ranked lower-middle-income economy, following India, and ranks 3rd in the ASEAN region behind Singapore and Malaysia. Notably, Vietnam is recognized as one of the fastest-improving middle-income economies since 2013.

Key global leadership metrics for Vietnam include ranking 1st in the world for the share of high-tech exports and the share of creative goods exports. Other top-10 global rankings include high-tech imports (3rd), smartphone app creation (5th), and labor productivity growth (6th). Additionally, business-funded R&D expenditure ranked 13th globally.

Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan attributed these gains to increased investment in digital transformation and improved legal frameworks. Dr. Le Mai Lan, Vice President of Vingroup, also joined the WIPO GII Advisory Committee, marking the first time a Vietnamese member has participated in this strategic body.