India Improves Ranking, Becomes 52nd On Global Innovation Index

SUMMARY

In 2018, India was ranked at 57th position on the index

India remains 2nd among middle-income economies in the quality of innovation

The index ranks economies based on research, patents and trademark applications among others

As India increases its narrative for Make in India and Startup India, the country’s global ranking in terms of innovation has jumped again. Released jointly by World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Cornell University, and INSEAD, the 12th edition of Global Innovation Index ranked India at 52nd position.

Last year India was ranked 57th, up from 81st in 2015.

The Global Innovation Index 2019 ranks 129 economies based on 80 indicators, from traditional measurements like research and development investments and international patent and trademark applications to newer indicators including mobile-phone app creation and high-tech exports.

The report noted that despite signs of slowing economic growth, innovation continues to blossom, particularly in Asia, but pressures are looming from trade disruptions and protectionism. Sound government planning for innovation is critical for success, the report shows.

The GII 2019 report was launched in India this year. “Innovation has become central to the government’s innovation policy. India has emerged as the most innovative economy in the Central and South Asian region. This is the biggest rise among the world’s major economies,” said Naresh Prasad, assistant director-general and chief of staff, WIPO.

In terms of India’s performance, here are a few updates:

Thanks to its high-quality scientific publications and universities, India remains second among middle-income economies in the quality of innovation.
It maintains top ranks in a number of important indicators such as productivity growth and exports of services related to information and communication technologies.
India reaches the 15th spot in global companies’ R&D expenditures.
It also features in the GII ranking on the world’s top science and technology clusters, with Bengaluru, Mumbai and New Delhi included in the global top 100 clusters.

Piyush Goyal, minister of commerce and industry and railways, said, “The 2019 launch of the Global Innovation Index in India is a significant event and a recognition of the Government of India’s commitment to innovation in recent years.”