Switzerland: world leader in innovation once again

Since 2010, Switzerland has kept its position as the world leader in innovation.

Each year, 127 countries are evaluated by the Global Innovation Index (GII). The GII’s goal is to measure their innovation capacity and performance then rank them accordingly. The evaluation is based on many factors ranging from patent applications to educational spending as well as quality of innovation. This year’s theme was “Innovation Feeding the World”, focusing specifically on agriculture and food systems. 2017’s top 5 most innovative countries are: Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Yet again and for the seventh consecutive year, Switzerland has earned the number one position in the GII. The index shows that the country has state-of-the-art technologies, research centers, a favorable business environment and a highly skilled workforce. These factors make Switzerland an ideal location for a wide range of international industries.

Switzerland stated as an example

Innovation is not only a fundamental academic and work ethic value in Switzerland but is also part of the country’s DNA, making it a major international Research & Development hotspot. Western Switzerland houses a significant amount of qualified research institutes, which, combined with important economic players, contribute to Switzerland’s successful ranking in the Global Innovation Index. Francis Gurry, Director General of WIPO (co-publisher of the GII) even states that “We continue to learn from the example of Switzerland”.

The Global Innovation Index Ranking:

1. Switzerland

2. Sweden

3. Netherlands

4. United States

5. United Kingdom