India’s new achievement
India Advances to 38th Rank in Global Innovation Index 2025: India has moved to the 38th rank in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This marks a steady rise from its 2020 position of 48, reflecting the nation’s commitment to innovation-driven growth. India continues to hold the #1 position among lower-middle-income economies and leads in the Central and Southern Asia region.
Global top performers
The GII 2025 is dominated by advanced economies. Switzerland tops the index with a score of 66, followed by Sweden (62.6), and the United States (61.7). Other strong performers include Republic of Korea, Singapore, United Kingdom, Finland, Netherlands, Denmark, and China in the top 10. Europe maintains its dominance with 15 countries in the top 25, while Asia continues its rise with major contributions from China, South Korea, and Singapore.
Static GK fact: Switzerland has consistently topped the Global Innovation Index for over a decade, making it the global leader in innovation capacity.
India’s performance highlights
India secured a GII score of 40.5 (approx.), placing it 38th globally. The nation has shown particular strengths in knowledge and technology outputs (22nd), market sophistication (38th), and human capital & research (top 40). These reflect improvements in patent filings, digital innovation, and investments in higher education and research.
Areas needing improvement
Despite progress, India faces challenges in business sophistication (64th), infrastructure (61st), and institutions (58th). Weaknesses in ease of doing business, industry linkages with research, and gaps in infrastructure hinder its climb to the top tier of global innovators.
Static GK Tip: India was ranked 81st in the Global Innovation Index in 2015, showing significant improvement over the last decade.
About the Global Innovation Index
The Global Innovation Index 2025 covers 139 countries and uses more than 80 indicators. It is structured around seven pillars:
- Institutions
- Human capital and research
- Infrastructure
- Market sophistication
- Business sophistication
- Knowledge and technology outputs
- Creative outputs
The report serves as a benchmark for policymakers to evaluate how effectively nations transform research and development into economic output.
India’s growing role
India’s steady rise in the GII signals a transition towards a more innovation-led economy. With initiatives such as Startup India, Atal Innovation Mission, and Digital India, the country has strengthened its ecosystem for startups, research, and technology. The focus on knowledge-based growth positions India as a leader among developing economies.
Static GK fact: The Global Innovation Index has been published annually since 2007, originally developed by INSEAD and later co-published by WIPO.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India Advances to 38th Rank in Global Innovation Index 2025:
| Topic | Detail |
| Index Name | Global Innovation Index 2025 |
| Published By | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) |
| India’s Rank 2025 | 38 |
| India’s Rank 2020 | 48 |
| India’s Strength | Knowledge and Technology Outputs (22nd) |
| India’s Weakness | Business Sophistication (64th) |
| Regional Position | #1 in Central and Southern Asia |
| Income Group Standing | #1 among lower-middle-income economies |
| Top Global Rank | Switzerland (66 score) |
| Countries Covered | 139 |
