Innovation Powerhouse: Korea Cracks World’s Top Four in WIPO Rankings (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 17 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea has entered the ranks of the world’s top four most innovative economies, according to the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII) released Tuesday by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
The country placed fourth overall among 139 economies, its highest ranking to date, and claimed the top spot in Asia, surpassing regional peers China (10th) and Japan (12th). It also marked South Korea’s sixth consecutive year in the global top 10, underscoring its sustained strength in research, intellectual property, and technology development.
The index, compiled annually by WIPO in collaboration with INSEAD and Cornell University, measures innovation capacity and performance through 78 indicators spanning institutions, human capital, research, infrastructure, market sophistication, and knowledge and creative outputs.
South Korea ranked fourth in input factors such as education and infrastructure, and sixth in output indicators like patents and creative products. It was ranked No. 1 globally for human capital and research investment for the seventh year in a row.
Notably, the country led the world in several measures, including patent applications relative to GDP, while also placing near the top in international patent and design filings.
Globally, Switzerland retained its position as the most innovative economy, followed by Sweden and the United States.
Commissioner Kim Wan-ki of the Korean Intellectual Property Office credited the result to joint efforts by the government and private sector to invest in talent and infrastructure. “We will continue to ensure that Korea’s innovation achievements are effectively utilized and protected,” he said.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
