Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025

India has climbed to the 38th position among 139 economies in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, marking a significant leap from its 81st rank in 2015.

Global Leaders in Innovation
Switzerland retained the top spot in the GII 2025, which evaluates innovation performance across nearly 140 economies using around 80 indicators, including R&D spending, venture capital activity, high-tech exports, and intellectual property filings. China secured the 10th position, maintaining its presence in the global top 10.

India’s Performance Breakdown
India scored its highest rankings in Knowledge & Technology Outputs (#22) and Market Sophistication (#38). However, it lagged in Business Sophistication (#64), Infrastructure (#61), and Institutions (#58).

Steady Climb Over the Years
India has shown consistent improvement in innovation over the past decade, moving from rank 48 in 2020 to 38 in 2025. It also continues to hold the top spot among lower-middle-income economies and in the Central and Southern Asia region.

Concerns Over R&D Growth
The GII report noted a slowdown in global research and development activity. R&D growth fell to 2.9% in 2024 and is projected to decline further to 2.3% in 2025 — the weakest pace since the 2010 financial crisis. This compares sharply with a 4.4% increase recorded the previous year.