The Philippines has climbed to 50th place in the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII), its highest ranking to date, reflecting steady progress in science, technology, and innovation.
The GII, released annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) with knowledge partners, assesses nearly 140 economies using around 80 indicators covering human capital, research and development (R&D), business sophistication, and innovation outputs such as technology and creative goods.
The country’s rise has been gradual, moving from 59th in 2022 to 56th in 2023, 53rd in 2024, and now 50th this year. Among lower middle-income economies, the Philippines now ranks third, driven by high-tech trade, integration into global value chains, and expanding creative industries.
Globally, Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, South Korea, and Singapore remain the top five performers. The United Kingdom, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, and China — entering the top 10 for the first time — round out the leading group.
The report also noted that growth in innovation investments is slowing worldwide, creating uncertainties for the global outlook.
In Southeast and East Asia, the Philippines was one of the strongest climbers, joining Hong Kong, Cambodia, and Myanmar in posting significant gains. The region continues to play a central role in global innovation, with six economies ranking in the top 25.
Locally, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said its work has been instrumental in the country’s improvement in the rankings. Over the past three years, the agency said it has supported more than 3,000 R&D projects nationwide, expanded STEM scholarships to over 45,000 students, and backed small and medium enterprises through modernization and technology adoption programs.
DOST secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said the country’s progress shows the importance of translating research into practical solutions.
“Science, technology, and innovation must deliver solutions and create opportunities for every Filipino,” he said. “Our role is to ensure that research turns into real products, services, and industries that improve lives.”
