Switzerland maintains its position as innovation world champion even in COVID times

Switzerland is the most innovative country in the world for the eleventh year running. This is the conclusion of the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2021 based on an assessment of more than 130 economies worldwide. Sweden and the USA follow in second and third place.

A new feature called the Global Innovation Tracker provides a snapshot of global innovation activity, including throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual Global Innovation Index evaluates the innovative performance of individual countries based on around 80 indicators.

 

Leader in patents

 

Back in March, the European Patent Office’s (EPO) Patent Index revealed that Switzerland was able to maintain its top position even in challenging times. As in the previous year, it had the highest number of patent applications per capita in 2020. With 966 applications per one million inhabitants in 2020 (following a record 988 applications in 2019), this places Switzerland well ahead of other countries. 

 

Media Relase: WIPO Media Center

Official website: Global Innovation Index 2021

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