PH Makes Top 50 on Global Innovation Index Rankings

Out of 130 economies, the Philippines is now on the 50th spot from the previous 73rd in 2018-2019 on the recent Global Innovation Index (GII) ranking.

“In 2014, just six years ago, the country still ranked 100th. We consider this as major news because it can be considered as a testament that DOST’s efforts in spearheading science, technology, and innovation are bearing fruits,” said Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said in a statement.

De la Peña explained that being on the 50th spot is not an easy task as it requires in various innovation capabilities. GII ranking is also a way for economies to assess their capabilities to further improve their system.

“The Philippines, together with the other three economies (China, Vietnam, and India), has made the most significant progress in the GII innovation ranking over time. Compared to other economies in South East Asia, the Philippines performs above average in two of the seven GII pillars: Business sophistication and Knowledge and technology outputs,” de la Peña said.

The GII ranking are based on the 7 pillars of the human capital, institutions, creative outputs, infrastructure, business sophistication, market sophistication and knowledge and technology outputs.

The Philippines was also considered as a country that is efficient in global trade as it tops the high-technology imports and also got the 3rd spot in high-technology exports.

DOST however, urged everyone to support all local businesses especially the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to make them globally competitive despite of the pandemic we are currently facing.

Aside from innovation, the Philippines also ranked 8th in information and communications technology, 10th in creative goods exports, 6th in productivity growth, 7th in formal training, and 8th in registered utility models by origin. (MLC)