The GII assesses economies based on several indicators, including infrastructure, human capital, research, and development
In a remarkable achievement that showcases India’s growing prowess in global innovation, the country has climbed one spot to secure the 39th position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024. This ranking, which places India among the top 40 most innovative economies in the world, is a testament to the nation’s continuous efforts to foster an ecosystem that nurtures creativity, technology, and research.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated this accomplishment, calling it a “remarkable feat” and attributing the success to the government’s commitment to building a vibrant innovation ecosystem. Sharing an X post from Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, PM Modi emphasized that the government’s efforts to create such an environment can play a pivotal role in transforming opportunities for the youth, enabling them to contribute significantly to India’s growth story.

The Global Innovation Index, developed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), is a comprehensive ranking that evaluates the innovation capabilities of economies worldwide. The GII assesses economies based on several indicators, including infrastructure, human capital, research, and development, as well as creative outputs and market sophistication. These indicators offer insight into how countries are cultivating innovation and using it to enhance productivity, economic growth, and global competitiveness.

India’s ascent to 39th place in 2024 signifies the country’s sustained improvement in these areas, reflecting its growing emphasis on innovation-driven development. In previous years, India has steadily climbed the ranks, a trend that highlights the nation’s increasing prominence on the world stage in terms of technological advancements and research contributions.

Several factors have contributed to India’s remarkable performance in the GII rankings:

Government Initiatives: A major driver of India’s progress in innovation is the government’s dedicated initiatives aimed at fostering research, technology, and start-up culture. Programs like Make in India, Startup India, and the Atal Innovation Mission have provided significant support to young entrepreneurs and start-ups, offering them the resources and opportunities to innovate. Additionally, the National Education Policy (NEP) emphasizes skill development and research, creating a foundation for future innovators.

Research and Development (R&D) Investments: In recent years, India has seen a notable increase in public and private sector investments in research and development. Government-funded institutions, in collaboration with industry leaders, have played a crucial role in facilitating technological breakthroughs. Moreover, the private sector’s growing involvement in R&D has bolstered India’s position as an innovation hub, especially in sectors like pharmaceuticals, information technology, and biotechnology.

Digital Transformation: The rapid digitization of India’s economy has played an instrumental role in its rise in the GII rankings. The Digital India initiative, launched in 2015, has expanded internet connectivity across the country, giving rise to numerous tech start-ups and innovation-driven enterprises. Additionally, India’s growing focus on artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and data analytics has positioned it as a competitive player in the global technology landscape.

Patent Growth and Intellectual Property: India’s increasing emphasis on strengthening its intellectual property regime has also contributed to its improved GII ranking. The establishment of the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy and steps taken to streamline the patenting process have encouraged more innovators and businesses to protect their inventions, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity.

As Prime Minister Modi highlighted, the government’s commitment to nurturing a robust innovation ecosystem has transformative potential for India’s youth. With a large and growing population of young people, India stands to benefit greatly from an innovation-led economy that provides opportunities for research, entrepreneurship, and technological development.

The nation’s focus on skilling its youth in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics ensures that they are prepared to lead the next wave of global innovation. As more young people gain access to education and resources through government programs and policies, India’s innovation ecosystem is expected to thrive further, driving economic growth and positioning the country as a leading knowledge economy.

Additionally, India’s rising stature in the GII rankings could attract more foreign investments in innovation-led sectors, boosting job creation and economic development. 

India’s 39th rank in the GII is not only a recognition of its innovation potential but also a reflection of the challenges it still faces. Despite the improvements, India must continue addressing gaps in areas like infrastructure, higher education, and regulatory frameworks to further enhance its innovation capabilities. By addressing these challenges, India can push forward in the GII rankings and secure a place among the top 30 economies in the near future.