The Philippines has entered the world’s top 50 most innovative economies for the first time, climbing to 50th place in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, up from 53rd last year.
The country also ranked third among lower middle-income economies, with the report citing gains in high-tech exports, deeper integration into global value chains and the rapid growth of creative industries.
The Geneva-based World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which compiles the index, said the Philippines was among the biggest climbers in Southeast and East Asia, alongside Hong Kong, Cambodia and Myanmar.
The Philippines has been steadily improving its innovation standing over the past decade. From 100th in 2014, it jumped to 73rd in 2018, 54th in 2019 and 50th in 2020. After ranking 56th in 2023 and 53rd in 2024, the country has now matched and surpassed its previous high by re-entering the top 50 this year.
Analysts noted that while the country has gained ground in outputs such as high-tech exports and creative goods, challenges remain in R&D spending, venture capital access and infrastructure that must be addressed to sustain momentum.
The Global Innovation Index, first published in 2007, ranks 132 economies based on around 80 indicators covering both innovation inputs – such as education, R&D, and infrastructure – and outputs, including patents, high-tech exports, and creative industries.
It has become a benchmark for governments and businesses to track innovation performance worldwide.
