China's innovation surge highlighted in 2024 Global Innovation Index
The 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII) report, released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), reveals China's continued rise in global innovation rankings, moving up to 11th place.
As the only middle-income economy in the top 30, China also leads with 26 of the world's top 100 science and technology clusters.
Gu Xin, chief researcher at the China National Intellectual Property Administration, emphasized that "intellectual property is a strategic resource for national development". China's upward trajectory in the GII reflects its commitment to fostering a high-quality innovation environment and achieving significant breakthroughs.
The GII evaluates 133 economies, highlighting positive global trends such as increased labor productivity and life expectancy. WIPO Director General Daren Tang noted the growing recognition of innovation's importance for growth and development.
China's strategic initiatives, like the "Outline for Building an Intellectual Property Powerhouse (2021-35)", have enhanced its innovation capabilities. Wang Su, president of the Henan Intellectual Property Institute, highlighted that these efforts have led to substantial achievements, supporting high-quality development.
The GII report uses a composite score based on "innovation input" and "innovation output" across seven categories. China excels in knowledge output and ranks first in several indicators, including high-tech exports. China's performance in areas like electric vehicle technology underscores its role in driving innovation.
According to Gu, China's focus on intellectual property protection and regional strategies has established a robust innovation ecosystem. As China shifts from an importer to a creator of IP, it aims to enhance its governance capabilities and make a significant positive impact on the global intellectual property landscape.