In its 16th edition, the Global Innovation Index 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of global innovation trends against a backdrop of economic and geopolitical uncertainties. This year’s findings showcase the resilience of innovation despite challenges.
Pakistan GII 2023 Highlights:
- Overall Rank: 88 π
- Strengths:
- π Innovation Linkages (Rank 54): Strong R&D collaboration.
- π± Creative Outputs (Rank 70): Robust in intangible assets and mobile app creation.
- π° Market Sophistication (Rank 97): Solid finance for startups and a substantial market scale.
- Challenges:
- π§ Knowledge Workers (Rank 101) and πΌ Females with Advanced Degrees (Rank 109) are low.
- π΅ FDI Net Inflows (Rank 108) need improvement.
- π Education Expenditure (Rank 117) and Tertiary Enrollment (Rank 109) are low.
- Institutions (Rank 113): Faces challenges in operational stability.
- Infrastructure (Rank 120): Weaknesses in ICT access, but better electricity output.
Main Report

Global Innovation Leaders 2023
- Switzerland Holds the Crown
- “For the 13th consecutive year, Switzerland maintains its position as the most innovative economy.”
- Sweden Surges Ahead
- “Sweden surpasses the United States, claiming the second spot in the rankings.”
- U.S. Maintains Strong Presence
- “The United States remains a global innovation powerhouse, securing the third position.”
- UK’s Consistent Innovation
- “The United Kingdom demonstrates steady innovation, securing the fourth position.”
- Singapore Emerges in Top Five
- “Singapore enters the top five, leading in the SEAO region.”
- Innovation in the MENA Region
- “Israel leads the way in Northern Africa and Western Asia, gaining two ranks and excelling in various innovation indicators, including R&D expenditure and university-industry collaboration.”
- “The UAE stabilizes close to the top 30, showcasing strengths in entrepreneurship policies and culture, policies for doing business, and private sector-funded R&D.”
- “TΓΌrkiye maintains its position among middle-income economies, excelling in intangible assets, industrial designs, and trademark filings.”
- “Saudi Arabia and Qatar break into the top 50 ranks, with Saudi Arabia excelling in ICT access, use, and global corporate R&D investments.”
- “Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Egypt experience notable improvements in their innovation rankings.”
Science and Technology Clusters

- TokyoβYokohama: Epicenter of Innovation
- “TokyoβYokohama leads as the world’s largest Science and Technology cluster.”
- China Dominates Cluster Landscape
- “China takes the lead with the largest number of science and technology clusters globally.”
Global Innovation Tracker 2023
- Breakthrough Technologies and Societal Impact
- “Despite economic challenges, breakthrough technologies persist, but societal impact remains low.”
Key Findings
- Middle-Income Economies Rising
- “A group of middle-income economies emerges as the fastest climbers in the past decade.”
- Venture Capital Challenges
- “Global venture capital funding faces uncertainty, marked by a significant plunge last year.”
- Innovation Resilience
- “Globally, innovation activity remains robust, signaling a shift from quantity to quality.”
About the Global Innovation Index
Now in its 16th edition, the Global Innovation Index is a leading reference for measuring an economyβs innovation ecosystem performance. Published annually, it is also a valuable benchmarking tool used by policymakers, business leaders, and other stakeholders to assess progress in innovation over time.
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