Phl hits all-time high in Global Innovation Index

The Philippines has reached its highest-ever spot in the Global Innovation Index (GII), climbing to 50th place out of 139 economies in the 2025 report released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) on Thursday said the milestone surpasses the government’s 2025 target of 52nd place under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

“This is the result of sustained reforms, targeted investments, and strong collaboration across sectors and key players in the country’s innovation ecosystem,” DEPDev Secretary and National Innovation Council (NIC) vice chairperson Arsenio Balisacan said. “We remain committed to scaling our innovation capacity, bridging critical gaps in research and digital infrastructure, and ensuring that innovation drives inclusive and sustainable development.”

The Philippines also kept its status as an “Innovation Overperformer” for the seventh straight year, a recognition given to economies that outperform expectations relative to their level of development.

In the 2025 index, the country ranked 59th in Innovation Inputs and 49th in Innovation Outputs, showing its ability to translate limited resources into tangible innovation outcomes.

To build on the momentum, the NIC chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is pushing the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document 2023-2032, which aims to expand research and development investments, improve digital infrastructure, and strengthen the country’s science and technology workforce.