Switzerland continues to lead global innovation for the 14th consecutive year
Business environment
30 September 2024
Switzerland’s strength in innovation continues to set the global standard, with the country excelling in both innovation output and technological advancements.
Switzerland maintains its position as the world’s most innovative economy in 2024, topping both the WIPO Global Innovation Index and the Roland Berger Innovation Indicator.
Switzerland has once again demonstrated its global leadership in innovation by securing the top spot in three major reports: the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024, the Roland Berger Innovation Indicator and the US News & World Report’s Best Countries Ranking. This reinforces Switzerland’s position as a key hub for cutting-edge research and development.
According to the WIPO report, Switzerland ranks first overall for the 14th consecutive year, excelling particularly in innovation output, which includes knowledge creation, impact and diffusion. Despite challenges such as slowing venture capital funding and R&D growth, the country continues to thrive, driven by its robust institutional framework and collaboration between universities and companies. Switzerland also ranks second in innovation input, which includes factors such as infrastructure, institutional conditions and knowledge workers.
In contrast, the country shows room for improvement in entrepreneurship policies and the ICT sector, ranking 16th and 47th respectively. Nevertheless, Switzerland’s strengths in high-tech manufacturing, university-industry collaboration and knowledge workers have secured its position at the top of the global innovation landscape.
Roland Berger’s Innovation Indicator 2024 also crowned Switzerland the global champion of innovation. The report highlighted Switzerland’s strengths in advanced manufacturing technologies, biotechnology and digital networks, where the country consistently ranks in the top two globally. However, the country ranked lower in energy technologies and the circular economy, highlighting areas for future growth.
Switzerland’s success in innovation is further underscored by US News & World Report’s Best Countries Ranking, where it was named the best country overall in 2024. With high scores for business openness, quality of life and a stable political environment, Switzerland remains an attractive destination for global talent and investment.
