The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) recently released the 2024 edition of the Global Innovation Index, providing a comprehensive overview of innovation in 133 countries worldwide. The report delves into the progress and challenges seen at different stages of the innovation cycle.
Since its inception in 2007, the Global Innovation Index has aimed to measure and explore the extent of innovation in various regions. It covers aspects like investment in science and innovation, technological advancement, technology adoption, and the socioeconomic impact of innovation.
The evaluation of innovation in different economies was based on indicators such as Institutions, Human Capital and Research, Infrastructure, Market Sophistication, Business Sophistication, Knowledge and Technology Outputs, and Creative Outputs.
Key Findings
– Investments in science and innovation saw a decline in 2023 after a surge in the previous years.
– Technology adoption accelerated, with positive socioeconomic impacts expected. However, progress in green technology was slower.
– Worker productivity increased, albeit below average levels from the past decade.
– The number of people living in extreme poverty halved by 2022.
Performance of African Nations
African countries were categorized into high, upper middle, lower middle, and low-income groups. In the low-income category, countries like Burundi, Rwanda, and Madagascar stood out for exceeding expectations in innovation relative to their developmental stage. Other notable performers in this group include Togo, Uganda, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mali, and Niger.
Upper middle-income nations like South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Mauritius showcased their innovation capabilities. Lower middle-income countries like Tunisia, Kenya, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Angola, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania also made strides in innovation.
Nigeria, with a score of 17.1, ranked 12th in Africa and 113th globally. The country’s infrastructure, institutions, market sophistication, and knowledge and technology outputs received lower rankings, while human capital and research, creative outputs, and business sophistication scored better.
Top 10 African Countries in Innovation
1. Mauritius (Global Rank: 55, Score: 30.6)
2. South Africa (Global Rank: 69, Score: 28.3)
3. Botswana (Global Rank: 87, Score: 23.1)
4. Cabo Verde (Global Rank: 90, Score: 22.3)
5. Senegal (Global Rank: 92, Score: 22)
6. Kenya (Global Rank: 96, Score: 21)
7. Ghana (Global Rank: 101, Score: 20)
8. Namibia (Global Rank: 102, Score: 20)
9. Rwanda (Global Rank: 104, Score: 19.7)
10. Madagascar (Global Rank: 110, Score: 17.9)
Experts emphasize a strong link between the innovation index and economic growth. To boost economic growth and enhance innovation, African countries need to focus on consistent monitoring, increased funding for research and development, promoting entrepreneurial attitudes in academic institutions, and creating a supportive environment for businesses.
The Global Innovation Index serves as a valuable tool for countries to benchmark their innovation progress and identify areas for improvement. By prioritizing innovation and investing in research and development, African nations can pave the way for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
