The Global Innovation Index (GII) 2026, released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), has placed India at the 38th position among 139 economies. India has maintained its position as the leading innovation performer in the Central and Southern Asia region and continues to demonstrate strong performance in areas such as ICT services exports, start-up financing and knowledge-based outputs. The report highlights India’s growing innovation ecosystem, supported by digital services, entrepreneurship, research and technological development.
Why in News?
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) released the Global Innovation Index 2026 on 14 October 2026. The index evaluates the innovation performance of 139 economies using approximately 80 indicators.
India secured the 38th position and continued its recognition as an innovation overperformer for the 16th consecutive year.
Global Innovation Index 2026: India's Performance
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India’s performance in the Global Innovation Index reflects its growing ability to convert resources and innovation-related investments into practical results.
Key highlights of India’s performance are:
- Overall Rank: 38th among 139 economies.
- Regional Position: 1st among 11 economies in Central and Southern Asia.
- Income Group: 1st among 36 lower-middle-income economies.
- Innovation Input Rank: 49th.
- Innovation Output Rank: 25th.
- Innovation Overperformance: India has remained an innovation overperformer for 16 consecutive years.
Innovation Inputs vs Innovation Outputs
The GII evaluates countries through two major sub-indices:
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1. Innovation Input Sub-Index
It measures the resources, policies and conditions that help a country develop innovation. India ranked 49th in this category.
2. Innovation Output Sub-Index
It measures the actual results generated through innovation, including technological development, knowledge creation and creative activities. India ranked 25th.
India’s stronger position in innovation outputs indicates that it is performing relatively well in converting its available resources into measurable innovation outcomes.
Top 10 Most Innovative Economies in the World – 2026
According to the Global Innovation Index 2026, the leading five economies are:
| Rank | Country |
|---|---|
| 1 | Switzerland |
| 2 | Sweden |
| 3 | United States |
| 4 | Republic of Korea |
| 5 | Singapore |
These economies have developed strong innovation ecosystems through investment in research, technology, education, infrastructure and business development.
India's Major Innovation Strengths
India has demonstrated strong performance in several innovation-related indicators. Its strengths are particularly visible in digital services, start-up financing and knowledge creation.
1. ICT Services Exports
India secured 1st position globally in ICT services exports. This reflects the country’s strong position in information technology, software services and digitally delivered services.
2. Late-Stage Venture Capital Deals
India ranked 4th globally in late-stage venture capital deals. This highlights the availability of investment for start-ups that have moved beyond their initial stages and are looking to expand their businesses.
3. Intangible Asset Intensity
India secured 13th position in intangible asset intensity. This indicator reflects the importance of assets such as intellectual property, brands, designs and other non-physical resources in innovation.
4. Knowledge and Technology Outputs
India ranked 15th globally in knowledge and technology outputs. This indicates its ability to generate technological knowledge, develop innovations and translate research into practical outcomes.
What Makes India’s Innovation Ecosystem Important?
India’s innovation ecosystem is supported by several factors, including:
- Growth of start-ups and entrepreneurship.
- Expansion of digital infrastructure.
- Development of information technology and software services.
- Increasing access to venture capital.
- Collaboration between research institutions and businesses.
- Growth in intellectual property and technology-based industries.
What Is the Global Innovation Index (GII)?
The Global Innovation Index (GII) is an international ranking that measures the innovation performance of economies across the world.
It assesses how effectively countries develop an environment that supports innovation and how successfully they convert innovation-related investments into outputs.
Important facts about the index:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Published By | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) |
| First Published | 2007 |
| 2026 Edition | 19th Edition |
| Economies Covered | 139 |
| Indicators | Approximately 80 |
| Purpose | To assess and compare innovation performance across economies |
WIPO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting and protecting intellectual property across the world.
Framework of the Global Innovation Index
The Global Innovation Index is based on two major sub-indices: Innovation Inputs and Innovation Outputs.
Together, these sub-indices cover seven pillars.
A. Innovation Input Sub-Index
This sub-index measures the conditions and resources required to support innovation. It consists of five pillars:
- Institutions: Evaluates the quality of governance, regulatory environment and institutional framework.
- Human Capital and Research: Examines education, research activities and the availability of skilled human resources.
- Infrastructure: Measures the availability of transport, communication, information technology and other essential infrastructure.
- Market Sophistication: Assesses access to finance, investment and the overall development of financial markets.
- Business Sophistication: Evaluates business capabilities, knowledge workers and collaboration between industries and research institutions.
B. Innovation Output Sub-Index
This sub-index measures the actual results produced through innovation. It consists of two pillars:
- Knowledge and Technology Outputs: Covers knowledge creation, technological development and the impact of innovation.
- Creative Outputs: Measures creative goods and services, intangible assets and other creative activities.
Calculation of the Overall GII Score:
The overall Global Innovation Index score is calculated using the average of the Innovation Input and Innovation Output sub-index scores.
India's Global Innovation Clusters
Innovation is often concentrated in specific cities where research institutions, start-ups, investors and businesses operate together.
According to the GII 2026 information provided, two Indian cities featured among the world’s leading innovation clusters:
| Indian City | Global Rank |
|---|---|
| Bengaluru | 25th |
| Delhi | 27th |
Why Are Innovation Clusters Important?
Innovation clusters are geographical areas where inventors, researchers, scientific authors, start-ups and investors are concentrated.
They encourage:
- Collaboration between universities and industries.
- Development of new technologies.
- Growth of start-ups and entrepreneurship.
- Exchange of knowledge and ideas.
- Commercialisation of research and innovation.
- Creation of employment opportunities.
Bengaluru’s strong technology and start-up ecosystem and Delhi’s research, institutional and business networks contribute to India’s innovation landscape.
Major Global Innovation Trends in 2026
The Global Innovation Index also highlights important changes taking place in the global innovation ecosystem.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence is becoming an important driver of innovation. AI-based businesses are attracting significant venture capital investment and transforming sectors such as healthcare, education, finance and manufacturing.
2. Growth of Deep-Science Start-ups
Deep-science start-ups are increasingly converting scientific discoveries into commercial products and technologies. These businesses often work in areas such as biotechnology, advanced materials, robotics and clean energy.
3. Strong Presence of European Economies
European countries continue to occupy several leading positions in the Global Innovation Index, reflecting their investment in research, education, technology and institutional development.
4. Growing Role of Asian Economies
Asian economies are strengthening their position in the global innovation ecosystem through technological advancement, digital infrastructure, manufacturing capabilities and research investment.
5. Need for Stronger Research and Development
Countries need to improve research facilities, strengthen institutions and build stronger connections between universities and industries to achieve sustainable innovation-led growth.
Significance of the Global Innovation Index for India
India’s performance in the GII 2026 highlights its increasing importance in the global innovation ecosystem.
1. Strengthens India's Global Position
A strong innovation ranking improves India’s position as a destination for technology development, investment and entrepreneurship.
2. Encourages Start-up Growth
The country’s performance in venture capital and digital services highlights the importance of start-ups in generating employment and supporting economic growth.
3. Supports Digital Economy Development
India’s leading position in ICT services exports demonstrates the contribution of digital services to economic development.
4. Promotes Research and Development
The index encourages policymakers to focus on research, innovation, intellectual property and technological advancement.
5. Supports Economic Competitiveness
Innovation improves productivity, encourages the development of new industries and strengthens a country’s ability to compete in the global economy.
Challenges India Needs to Address
Despite its strong performance, India needs to improve several areas to become a leading global innovation hub.
- Research and Development Investment: Greater investment is needed in scientific research and technological development.
- Industry-Academia Collaboration: Universities and businesses need stronger partnerships to convert research into commercial applications.
- Access to Finance: Early-stage start-ups and research-based enterprises need better access to funding.
- Infrastructure Development: Research laboratories, testing facilities and digital infrastructure need continuous improvement.
- Intellectual Property Protection: Greater awareness and effective protection of patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights are important.
- Skilled Workforce: Investment in education, technical training and research skills is necessary to support future innovation.
Way Forward
To strengthen its position in future editions of the Global Innovation Index, India should focus on the following measures:
- Increase public and private investment in research and development.
- Strengthen collaboration between educational institutions, research organisations and industries.
- Improve access to finance for innovative start-ups.
- Promote patent registration and intellectual property awareness.
- Develop innovation hubs beyond major metropolitan cities.
- Encourage innovation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, semiconductors and renewable energy.
- Improve the quality of higher education and technical research.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who publishes the Global Innovation Index?
The Global Innovation Index is published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a specialised agency of the United Nations.
Q2. What is India's rank in the Global Innovation Index 2026?
India secured the 38th position among 139 economies.
Q3. Which country ranked first in GII 2026?
Switzerland secured the first position.
Q4. What is India's position in the Central and Southern Asia region?
India ranked first among 11 economies in the region.
Q5. How many pillars are included in the Global Innovation Index framework?
The framework consists of seven pillars: five under the Innovation Input Sub-Index and two under the Innovation Output Sub-Index.
Q6. Which Indian cities featured among the top global innovation clusters?
Bengaluru ranked 25th and Delhi ranked 27th, according to the information provided for GII 2026.
Q7. What is an innovation overperformer?
An innovation overperformer is an economy that achieves better innovation results than expected for its level of economic development.
Conclusion
The Global Innovation Index 2026 highlights India’s growing role in the global innovation ecosystem. Its 38th position, leadership in the Central and Southern Asia region and strong performance in ICT services exports demonstrate the country’s progress in technology and entrepreneurship. However, improving research investment, infrastructure, industry-academia partnerships and access to finance will be essential for sustaining this progress. Strengthening these areas can help India move towards becoming a globally competitive, innovation-driven economy.
