India has improved its ranking in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024 to 39th place, moving up from 40th last year. This improvement highlights the country’s strong progress in fostering innovation. Since 2015, India has climbed 42 places, from 81st to 39th. The GII is an annual report published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which ranks countries based on their innovation capabilities.
Key Highlights of the 2024 GII
The 17th edition of the Global Innovation Index was released by WIPO on 26 September 2024. This year, Switzerland retained its top position for the 14th consecutive year, while Angola ranked at the bottom. The GII ranks 133 countries and evaluates them using 80 indicators grouped into four main parameters:
- Science and innovation investment
- Technological progress
- Technology adoption
- Socioeconomic impact of innovation
India’s Performance in GII 2024
India ranks 39th overall, marking an impressive improvement over the years. Among the lower-middle-income group economies, India is ranked 1st, demonstrating its leadership in innovation in this category. Additionally, India holds the top spot among the 10 economies in Central and Southern Asia.
In terms of Innovation Input—the investment made in innovation—India is ranked 44th. For Innovation Output—the results achieved through innovation—India is placed 33rd, a better position than last year.
Indian Science and Technology Clusters
India also has four cities in the top 100 Science and Technology (S&T) Clusters:
- Bengaluru (ranked 56th)
- Delhi (63rd)
- Chennai (82nd)
- Mumbai (84th)
Reasons for India’s Improvement
Union Minister Piyush Goyal credited India’s rise to the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has created an environment conducive to innovation. India’s focus on fostering intellectual property, increasing technological research, and supporting innovation has significantly contributed to this upward trend.
Global Innovation Leaders in 2024
The top 10 countries in the 2024 Global Innovation Index are as follows:
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Singapore
- Finland
- Netherlands
- Germany
- Denmark
- South Korea
China is ranked 11th and is the only middle-income country in the top 30.
Global Impact of the 2024 Global Innovation Index
The GII is a crucial tool that guides policymakers and business leaders in understanding the global innovation landscape. The rankings highlight areas where countries need to invest more to boost innovation. India’s rise in the GII will attract more foreign investment and collaboration in science and technology sectors.
Aims Behind GII
The Global Innovation Index aims to promote and track global innovation trends, helping nations improve their innovation ecosystems. WIPO, through the GII, hopes to foster cooperation among countries, boost intellectual property management, and encourage technological development.
Key Summary
- India is ranked 39th in the Global Innovation Index 2024, up from 40th in 2023.
- India is ranked 1st among lower-middle-income group economies.
- Four Indian cities are in the top 100 Science & Technology Clusters.
- Switzerland remains the top-ranked country for the 14th year in a row.
- China is the highest-ranked middle-income country, positioned 11th globally.
India’s Performance in Global Innovation Index 2024
| Rank | 2024 | 2023 |
| Global Rank | 39th | 40th |
| Lower-middle-income Rank | 1st | 1st |
| Innovation Input Rank | 44th | Improved |
| Innovation Output Rank | 33rd | Improved |
| Top Science & Tech Clusters | Bengaluru (56), Delhi (63), Chennai (82), Mumbai (84) | – |
Also Read Latest Current Affairs 2024
India ranks 39th globally in the 2024 GII.
Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai are included in the top 100 clusters.
India’s focus on technological research, intellectual property, and innovation-friendly policies has led to its improvement.
Switzerland remains the top country, holding this position for the 14th consecutive year.
India is ranked 1st among the lower-middle-income economies in 2024.