Philippines jumps to 50th spot in Global Innovation Index

• Photo from Pixabay

By TechWatch PH

The Philippines has reached a new milestone in global competitiveness, climbing to 50th place in the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII).

The achievement highlights the country’s accelerating momentum in science, technology, and innovation, driven largely by initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The Global Innovation Index, produced annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) alongside global knowledge partners, ranks over 139 economies based on innovation inputs—such as R&D, institutions, and human capital—and outputs, including technology, knowledge, and creative goods.

The index is regarded as the world’s leading reference for measuring innovation performance and competitiveness, guiding governments, investors, and industries alike.

The Philippines has steadily advanced in the rankings, moving from 59th in 2022, to 56th in 2023, 53rd in 2024, and now breaking into the top 50.

Officials credit this rise to the country’s stronger focus on research, STEM talent development, enterprise support, and partnerships spearheaded by DOST.

Over the past three years, DOST has supported more than 3,000 research and development projects nationwide, tackling priority areas such as climate resilience, health technologies, digital transformation, and advanced manufacturing.

These projects not only expand knowledge creation but also strengthen the innovation ecosystem across all 17 regions of the country.

Talent development remains central to the agency’s mission. DOST continues to be the country’s largest backer of STEM education, currently providing scholarships to over 45,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Science High School System nurtures more than 6,000 scholars each year, ensuring a strong pipeline of future scientists, engineers, and innovators.

DOST also plays a key role in bridging research with enterprise. Programs such as the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) have already helped over 5,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises modernize and adopt new technologies.

Regional innovation hubs and the PROPEL initiative further extend these efforts by helping science and technology-based startups access venture capital, bring products to market, and connect with global value chains.

To accelerate commercialization, DOST has partnered with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) through the DOST-PCCI Business Technology Hub. The platform connects industry with research-driven solutions, providing businesses with access to emerging technologies.

Looking forward, the department is intensifying its focus on frontier technologies, charting R&D pathways in eight key areas: artificial intelligence, quantum computing, geospatial analytics, Industry 4.0, circular economy, smart agriculture, biologics in pharmaceuticals, and smart technologies.

“Science, technology, and innovation must deliver solutions and create opportunities for every Filipino, our families and communities,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. “Our role is to ensure that research turns into real products, services, and industries that improve lives—from students and startups to farmers, workers, and entrepreneurs. Innovation is not just a national strategy; it is a shared promise of a better future.”

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Philippines jumps to 50th spot in Global Innovation Index

The Philippines has reached a new milestone in global competitiveness, climbing to 50th place in the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII).

The achievement highlights the country’s accelerating momentum in science, technology, and innovation, driven largely by initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The Global Innovation Index, produced annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) alongside global knowledge partners, ranks over 130 economies based on innovation inputs—such as R&D, institutions, and human capital—and outputs, including technology, knowledge, and creative goods.

The index is regarded as the world’s leading reference for measuring innovation performance and competitiveness, guiding governments, investors, and industries alike.

The Philippines has steadily advanced in the rankings, moving from 59th in 2022, to 56th in 2023, 53rd in 2024, and now breaking into the top 50.

Officials credit this rise to the country’s stronger focus on research, STEM talent development, enterprise support, and partnerships spearheaded by DOST.

Over the past three years, DOST has supported more than 3,000 research and development projects nationwide, tackling priority areas such as climate resilience, health technologies, digital transformation, and advanced manufacturing.

These projects not only expand knowledge creation but also strengthen the innovation ecosystem across all 17 regions of the country.

Talent development remains central to the agency’s mission. DOST continues to be the country’s largest backer of STEM education, currently providing scholarships to over 45,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Science High School System nurtures more than 6,000 scholars each year, ensuring a strong pipeline of future scientists, engineers, and innovators.

DOST also plays a key role in bridging research with enterprise. Programs such as the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) have already helped over 5,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises modernize and adopt new technologies.

Regional innovation hubs and the PROPEL initiative further extend these efforts by helping science and technology-based startups access venture capital, bring products to market, and connect with global value chains.

To accelerate commercialization, DOST has partnered with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) through the DOST-PCCI Business Technology Hub. The platform connects industry with research-driven solutions, providing businesses with access to emerging technologies.

Looking forward, the department is intensifying its focus on frontier technologies, charting R&D pathways in eight key areas: artificial intelligence, quantum computing, geospatial analytics, Industry 4.0, circular economy, smart agriculture, biologics in pharmaceuticals, and smart technologies.

“Science, technology, and innovation must deliver solutions and create opportunities for every Filipino, our families and communities,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. “Our role is to ensure that research turns into real products, services, and industries that improve lives—from students and startups to farmers, workers, and entrepreneurs. Innovation is not just a national strategy; it is a shared promise of a better future.”