Switzerland tops global innovation ranking for the 15th consecutive year

Switzerland remains the world’s most innovative economy for the 15th year in a row, excelling in knowledge creation, diffusion and impact.

Switzerland continues to lead the world in innovation, securing the top spot in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 for the 15th year in a row. The ranking evaluates nearly 140 economies using 80 indicators ranging from R&D spending and venture capital activity to intellectual property filings and high-tech exports.

The 2025 edition highlights Switzerland’s enduring strength in innovation outputs (knowledge creation, diffusion and impact) underpinned by robust collaboration between universities, research institutes and industry. The country also ranks second worldwide in innovation inputs, reflecting its strong institutions, skilled workforce and infrastructure.

Innovation resilience amid global slowdown

While Switzerland remains at the top, the GII report warns of a global slowdown in innovation investment. Growth in R&D spending fell to its lowest rate since 2010, and corporate R&D budgets expanded only marginally in 2024, with cuts in manufacturing offset by increases in software, AI and pharmaceuticals. Venture capital values rebounded overall, but deal numbers continued to decline, signaling persistent caution outside of AI and ICT sectors.

WIPO Director General Daren Tang emphasized that “innovation ecosystems require support and nurturing through thoughtful policies, meaningful investments and cross-sector collaboration” to maintain momentum.

Switzerland is followed in the 2025 ranking by Sweden, the United States, the Republic of Korea and Singapore. The United Kingdom, Finland, the Netherlands and Denmark complete the top ten, alongside China, which enters the group for the first time. Middle-income countries such as India, Turkey, Vietnam and Morocco also continue their steady climb, outperforming expectations relative to their level of development.

A European stronghold of innovation

Europe remains a global hub for innovation, with 15 economies in the top 25. Switzerland’s leadership is reinforced by strong performance across biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies, positioning it as a benchmark for innovation-driven competitiveness.

By combining excellence in research with industrial application and international collaboration, Switzerland demonstrates once again why it remains the world’s most innovative economy.