China Enters Top 10 of UN Global Innovation Index

China has entered the top 10 of the United Nations’ Global Innovation Index for the first time, overtaking Germany as heavy investments in research and development boost its global innovation standing.

China has entered the top 10 of the United Nations’ Global Innovation Index for the first time, securing 10th place and surpassing Germany, as substantial investments in research and development propel its global standing.

The latest report, released on Tuesday, confirmed that Switzerland, Sweden, and the United States retained the top three positions, while South Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom also ranked above China. Analysts attributed China’s rise to its dominance in international patent applications, accounting for approximately a quarter of the global total, even as the United States, Japan, and Germany recorded declines.

Despite a slowdown in global research and development growth, China is on track to become the world’s largest private-sector R&D investor. Experts say the country’s continued focus on innovation, particularly in technology and intellectual property, is reshaping the global innovation landscape.

Germany’s fall to 11th place highlights the country’s need to shift from traditional industrial innovation towards digital and technology-driven advancements. “Germany’s decline underscores the growing importance of digital transformation in maintaining global innovation leadership,” the report noted.

The development signals a broader power shift in the global innovation race, suggesting that the next era of invention may increasingly bear the label “Made in China,” rather than “Made in Germany.” Observers say this marks a significant milestone in China’s emergence as a leading force in high-tech research and innovation.

The Global Innovation Index evaluates countries based on multiple indicators, including research capabilities, patent activity, education, infrastructure, and technological outputs, providing a comprehensive snapshot of global innovation dynamics.

China’s entry into the top 10 is likely to intensify competition among leading economies and further incentivise investment in cutting-edge technologies and digital innovation worldwide.