With the advent of artificial intelligence, self-driving cars and Wi-Fi connected devices, it can seem like innovation is everywhere these days. However, some countries have long been known for development cutting edge technology to the benefit of residents and tourists.
To analyze those who have the greatest impact in these areas, the World Intellectual Property Organization recently published its Global Innovation Index 2024ranking 130 economies based on metrics such as educational systemu technological infrastructures and the knowledge creation (such as patents filed or mobile apps created).
Here is the Top Ten.
Tenth place: Denmark
Tenth in the ranking is the Denmark which carves out a role among the top 10 most innovative countries in the world thanks to a real “culture of innovation» which is in addition to the huge investments in research and the high quality of education.
In addition, their flagships are medical technology and renewable energy.
New place: Germany
New here Germany which is confirmed as a important hub when it comes to innovation, and its strengths are research excellence and a solid manufacturing tradition.
In addition, today he has an eye for Industry 4.0 and Artificial Intelligence.
Eighth place: Netherlands
In the eighth place here are the Netherlands which have always stood out for a fruitful collaboration between the government, academic institutions and companies.
But not only that: they are notoriously opensustainable innovation and are distinguished by the excellence of their infrastructure.
Seventh place: Finland
In the Top Ten of the most innovative countries in the world they are not missing Finland where the start up they can thrive.
In addition, a constant and concrete commitment arises regarding thesocial and technological innovation as a solid knowledge base.
Sixth place: South Korea
Leader in Asia and sixth overall in the index, u South Korea stands out for its first place in human capital and research, followed by the second place in the ranking creative results.
Home to tech innovators like Samsung and LG and major carmakers including Kia and Hyundai, it has recently started pouring more money intostartup ecosystemwith significant investments growing year after year. The government has also launched Startup Korea in 2023, including a new visa that makes it easier for international entrepreneurs to establish themselves in the country.
U technology plays an increasingly important role in everyday life.
Fifth place: United Kingdom
He United Kingdom achieved excellent results in terms of creative results (in third place overall) and knowledge and technological production (fifth overall).
This is a nation where innovation helped make it happen everyday life simplerwith many residents pointing to the system of Oyster card with which you can use your credit card or a digital card to travel around London’s public transport system, which has recently been extended to more national rail stations and Stansted Airport.
One of the key innovation centers is Here to the east of Stratford, built for the 2012 London Olympics, but now home to start-ups, innovative companies and universities. The community organizes a wide range of free events, open to everyone, from virtual reality masterclasses to skateboarding events, and the area is home to an arcade bar, coffee shops and craft breweries.
Fourth place: Singapore
One step from the podium we find Singapore, which establishes itself as innovative and technological hub of Asia.
All this is made possible by policies that aim to encourage development, research and digital transformation in the main sectors of the economy.
Third place: United States
Bronze medal for the United States who placed third thanks also to some of the best universities and research institutes of the world.
And what about the highly innovative centers like Silicon Valley and environments that allow the full development of technological innovation and entrepreneurship?
Second place: Sweden
Sweden has become a chief technology officerespecially in artificial intelligence and the automotive industry. The highest scores relate infrastructure and companies, followed by knowledge and results in the technological field.
Stockholm, the capital, is sometimes called “unicorn factory“for his success in grow startups such as Spotify and Klarna, but it is also recommended to visit Gothenburg, the second largest city in the country, to really appreciate the spirit of the new technology.
Gold medal for Switzerland
Swiss had a stellar year in the rankings, with notable positions in the Smart Cities Index and the Global Liveability Index. It is not surprising, therefore, that in 2024 it will be the first place for innovation (and it is the 14th consecutive year).
Contributing to the score are global achievements in knowledge and technology (measured by assets such as patents, valuations of technology companies and high-tech exports) and creative achievements (measured, for example, by films, mobile app creation and markets).
Finally, achieve excellent results in research and development collaboration and in patents between universities and industry.