Switzerland leads 2026 global innovation rankings

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has released its 2026 innovation rankings, highlighting the continued dominance of wealthy economies. Switzerland leads the global index with a score of 66.7, followed by Sweden and the United States. South Korea and Singapore round out the top five.

Europe maintains a strong presence, accounting for 14 of the top 25 positions. While the European Union has seen a steady increase in innovation efficiency since 2019, WIPO notes challenges in converting research and industrial strength into fast-growing companies and increasing productivity.

Significant shifts were noted in Asia and the Middle East. China ranks tenth, demonstrating exceptional efficiency by generating high-level innovation outputs relative to its inputs. The United Arab Emirates entered the top 25 for the first time. In North America, investment in artificial intelligence remains a major driver, accounting for 86% of global venture capital.