Switzerland Leads Global Innovation Index 2026, Followed by Sweden and the United States

The World Intellectual Property Organization released its Global Innovation Index for 2026, assessing 139 economies on 79 indicators of innovation performance. Switzerland retained the number-one spot for a record 16 consecutive years, achieving a GII score of 66.7 and leading in both inputs and outputs. Sweden secured second place with a 63.2 score, excelling in infrastructure and business sophistication, while the United States ranked third at 62.3, driven by market sophistication and strong university performance.

European countries hold 14 of the top 25 positions, and China, the only middle-income nation in the top 30, placed tenth. The report also notes South Korea’s corporate R&D dominance, Singapore’s strong input metrics, and Denmark’s consistent pillar rankings, underscoring the varied pathways to innovation success.