Global Innovation Index 2026: India Ranks 38th

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) released its 19th edition of the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2026. The flagship report ranks 139 global economies and analyzes key research, technology, and economic development trends worldwide.

In the 2026 rankings, India secured 38th position overall. The country held its top spot among 36 lower-middle-income economies and led all 11 economies across Central and Southern Asia.

What Is the Global Innovation Index?

First published in 2007, the GII serves as a primary benchmark for governments shaping science, technology, and economic policies. WIPO calculates rankings using roughly 80 indicators across two equally weighted sub-indices:

• Innovation Input Sub-Index (5 Pillars): Measures institutional framework, human capital, research infrastructure, and business sophistication.
• Innovation Output Sub-Index (2 Pillars): Measures concrete results, including knowledge, technology, and creative outputs.

Top Economies in GII 2026

Switzerland retained first place globally for the 16th consecutive year. Sweden and the United States secured second and third positions, respectively.

European nations claimed 14 of the top 25 positions. Asian economies maintained a strong presence, securing five spots in the top 25.

India’s Key Innovation Strengths & Performance

India performed significantly better in innovation outputs (25th) than in innovation inputs (49th). Strong digital services, expanding venture capital, and robust entrepreneurship drove this output performance.

Highlights of India's Performance:

• ICT Services Exports: Ranked 1st globally.
• Late-Stage Venture Capital Deals: Ranked 4th globally.
• Intangible Asset Intensity: Ranked 13th globally.
• Knowledge & Technology Outputs: Ranked 15th globally.

Leading Science and Technology Clusters

WIPO identifies regional S&T innovation clusters by analyzing inventor density, scientific publications, and venture capital deals rather than political borders.

The Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou bay area topped the global cluster list, while San Jose–San Francisco led in innovation intensity.

Top Indian S&T Clusters:

• Bengaluru: Ranked 25th globally.
• Delhi: Ranked 27th globally.

Readiness for Frontier Technologies

Beyond the GII, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) highlighted India's rapid rise in adopting frontier technologies—including Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, IoT, and Virtual Reality.

India climbed to 36th place in UNCTAD's Readiness for Frontier Technologies Index (up from 48th in 2022). India ranked 3rd globally in R&D investments and 10th in industrial manufacturing capacity, placing it among the top three destinations for private AI investment alongside the US and China.