Class 99 readers might be interested in the 12th edition of the Global Innovation Index (GII 2019), launched in India on 24 July.

The GII 2019 ranks the world's most innovative economies, with Switzerland topping the list, followed by Sweden and the United States.

It is released jointly by WIPO, Cornell University, INSEAD and the 2019 GII Knowledge Partners, the Confederation of Indian Industry, Dassault Systèmes - the 3DEXPERIENCE Company - and the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) – Brazil and Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae). The Index is based on various data that indicate levels of innovation.

The top 10 economies this year are:

1. Switzerland
2. Sweden
3. United States of America
4. The Netherlands
5. United Kingdom
6. Finland
7. Denmark
8. Singapore
9. Germany
10. Israel

China is ranked 14th and Japan 15th. The top-ranked economy in sub-Saharan Africa is South Africa, which ranks 63rd in the world. Chile (ranked 51st) is top in Latin America and the Caribbean, while India (52nd) is top in Central and Southern Asia.

Twelve of the top 20 economies are in Europe.

“The GII shows us that countries that prioritize innovation in their policies have seen significant increases in their rankings,” said WIPO Director General Francis Gurry. “The rise in the GII by economic powerhouses like China and India have transformed the geography of innovation and this reflects deliberate policy action to promote innovation,” said WIPO Director General Francis Gurry.

The theme of GII 2019 is “Creating Healthy Lives – The Future of Medical Innovation”. Chapters in the report look at how medical innovation, including the use of AI, genomics and mobile phone-based health applications will transform the delivery of healthcare.

Read and download more information about GII 2019 and watch videos from the launch in India on WIPO’s dedicated page.