What makes some countries more innovative than others?

Mar 16, 20232 min read

Digital world map. — Innovation is increasingly key to a country's standard of living.

Innovation is the backbone of modern economies, as it helps businesses, governments, and societies to improve their competitiveness, productivity, and quality of life.

More innovative countries have a significant advantage in today's rapid and ever-changing global economy. They attract talent and investment and create high-paying jobs contributing to economic growth and development.

It got me thinking about which countries are the most innovative and what broader conditions or factors give them this competitive advantage.

According to the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2021, the top 25 innovative countries in the world are:

Switzerland
Sweden
United States
United Kingdom
South Korea
Singapore
Finland
Denmark
Germany
Netherlands
Hong Kong (China)
Japan
Israel
France
Canada
Austria
Norway
Belgium
Australia
China
Ireland
Luxembourg
New Zealand
Iceland
Estonia

These countries have common themes. They have invested in creating an ecosystem that supports innovation and has strong institutions, policies, and practices that enable them to leverage innovation for economic and social progress.

I thought I would share just some of those critical factors that I consider to contribute to the innovative capacity of these countries:

Economic Factors: More innovative Countries have a competitive and diversified economy that fosters entrepreneurship and innovation. They invest in research and development (R&D), infrastructure, and education to create a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to generate new ideas and technologies. They also have a strong intellectual property protection regime that encourages investment in innovation.
Legal Factors: Strong legal and regulatory frameworks are critical for innovation. These countries have well-defined and enforceable property rights, contract laws, and competition policies that provide a level playing field for businesses and foster innovation.
Political Factors: A stable and supportive political environment is essential for innovation. These countries have governments that are committed to promoting innovation, investing in R&D, and creating policies that incentivise businesses to innovate. They also have a strong public-private partnership that facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Educational Factors: A well-educated workforce is a crucial driver of innovation. These countries have high-quality education systems that produce skilled workers who can adapt to changing technologies and contribute to innovation. They also strongly emphasise science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
Societal Factors: An innovative culture is a critical factor in promoting innovation. These countries have a culture that values creativity, experimentation, and risk-taking. They also have a strong startup ecosystem that provides support and funding for new businesses and entrepreneurs.
Cultural Factors: More innovative Countries have a diverse and inclusive culture encouraging innovation. They promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, which leads to better problem-solving and innovation outcomes. They also have a strong culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing that fosters innovation.

Final Thoughts

The GII 2021 shows innovation is a critical economic growth and development driver. The top 25 innovative countries have invested in creating an ecosystem that supports innovation and has strong institutions, policies, and practices that enable them to leverage innovation for economic and social progress.

To become more innovative, countries must invest in R&D, education, and infrastructure and create a supportive environment encouraging entrepreneurship and risk-taking.

About the Author

Adam Ryan is a Professor of Practice (Adjunct Professor) at Monash University and is a principal at Watkins Bay. Adam has over twenty years of start-up experience in Australia and the USA. An expert in Company Structuring for Innovation, Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Capital for early and growth-stage businesses.