Qatar has shown significant progress in terms of innovation, moving up 21 places to rank 49th on the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024. The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) ranks world economies based on their innovation capabilities, using approximately 80 indicators to measure innovation inputs and outputs. Qatar now ranks sixth in Northern Africa and Western Asia and 42nd among high-income group economies. The country’s position has improved steadily over the past few years, with Innovation Inputs at 64th and Innovation Outputs at 72nd in 2020, compared to 39th and 71st last year.
The Global Innovation Tracker 2024 reveals the state of innovation in Qatar, highlighting six areas of improvement and six indicators that have declined. The 17th Edition of the GII 2024 focuses on ‘Unlocking the Promise of Social Entrepreneurship,’ exploring the link between innovation and social enterprises. Despite a slowdown in R&D expenditures and scientific publications in 2023, emerging economies like Qatar have shown strong progress. Countries like Indonesia, Mauritius, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil have made significant gains on the GII over the past five years.
In the Northern Africa and Western Asia region, Qatar is joined by the United Arab Emirates and Türkiye in the top rankings, with the United States, Sweden, and Switzerland leading the list. Singapore has moved up to the fourth position, followed by the United Kingdom in fifth place. China has also made strides in innovation, climbing to the 11th position and edging closer to the top 10. Japan remains steady at the 13th position, maintaining its spot since 2021.
Looking ahead, the GII examines the impact of technology adoption and societal changes, emphasizing the need for continued innovation investments. Despite tighter financial conditions, emerging economies like Qatar are making progress in innovation. The growth of social entrepreneurship and the connection to innovation are significant themes in this year’s index. Countries are encouraged to focus on innovation to drive societal impact and economic growth in the future.
In conclusion, Qatar’s rise in the Global Innovation Index reflects its commitment to fostering innovation and technology development. The country’s steady progress and improved rankings demonstrate a positive trend towards building a knowledge-based economy. As Qatar continues to invest in innovation and research, it is expected to further enhance its position on the global stage. With a focus on social entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation, Qatar is well-positioned to drive future advancements and contribute to global innovation efforts.
