The world’s most innovative countries in 2025: How high does the U.S. rank?

The United States remains in third place in the Global Innovation Index, the annual ranking of the world’s most innovative countries published by the World Intellectual Property Organization.

For the third consecutive year, Switzerland, Sweden, and the U.S. occupy the top three spots. The Republic of Korea climbed four places to fourth, while China entered the top 10 for the first time.

U.S. leads in key innovation metrics

The survey ranks 139 economies based on 78 indicators. Like in 2024, the United States leads the world in nine GII indicators, including late-stage venture capital deals, global brand value, global corporate R&D investment, unicorn valuation, software spending, and intangible asset intensity. Only Singapore, ranked fifth overall, leads in more innovation indicators, with 10.

The U.S. is, however, held back by its performance in infrastructure, where it ranks just 32nd.

Private sector drives innovation

According to the report, the U.S. also performs “exceptionally well” in R&D performed and financed by business, ranking fourth and fifth respectively. This underscores the private sector’s crucial role in driving innovation.

China invests heavily in research and development

China’s entry into the top 10 reflects Beijing’s decision to invest heavily in R&D. The country is on track to become the world’s biggest R&D spender, contributing roughly a quarter of all international patent applications in 2024, strengthening its position from 2023.

Patent ownership is widely regarded as essential to a country’s economy, incentivizing innovation and investment. It creates a platform for economic growth and job creation by granting inventors exclusive rights to their inventions.

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