Source: WIPO
Context: The WIPO Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 ranked India 38th globally out of 139 economies, retaining its position as the top performer in Central & Southern Asia.
About WIPO Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025:
- Launched by: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in collaboration with Portulans Institute and partners.
- Nature: Annual benchmarking report, now in its 18th edition, covering 139 economies and 100 innovation clusters.
- Objective: Measures countries’ capacity and success in innovation, guides policymakers and industry leaders.
- Conceptual Framework:
- Innovation Inputs: Institutions, Human Capital & Research, Infrastructure, Market Sophistication, Business Sophistication.
- Innovation Outputs: Knowledge & Technology Outputs, Creative Outputs.
- Indicators Used: 80+ indicators including R&D intensity, patent filings (PCT), venture capital flows, scientific publications, ICT adoption, unicorn valuations, high-tech exports, etc.
- Global top 3 nations: Switzerland (1st), Sweden (2nd), and United States (3rd).
About India’s Performance in GII 2025:
- Rank: 38th globally (score: 38.2), 1st in Central & Southern Asia, leading lower-middle income group.
- Innovation Over-performer: India remains among the longest-standing innovation over-performers, performing above expectations for its income level for the 15th year.
- Strengths:
- ICT services exports – global leader.
- Unicorn valuations & late-stage VC deals – among the top globally.
- Knowledge creation – surge in publications (+7.6%), strong patent filings.
- Creative Outputs – rank improved from 49 (2023) → 42 (2025).
- Innovation Clusters: India hosts four clusters in the world top-100 – Bengaluru (21st), Delhi (26th), Mumbai (46th), Chennai (new entry) – reflecting its strong startup ecosystem.
