The Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 released by WIPO highlights nations that successfully translate creativity into competitiveness. The Philippines climbed three places to rank 50th globally, its best-ever performance. This milestone reflects over a decade of coordinated effort among government, industry, and academia to foster an innovation-driven economy.
A balanced performance across innovation pillars
The GII evaluates 139 economies through input pillars (institutions, human capital & research, infrastructure, market sophistication, and business sophistication) and output pillars (knowledge & technology outputs and creative outputs).
For 2025, the Philippines ranked 59th in inputs and 49th in outputs, underscoring stronger foundations in R&D, policy, and entrepreneurship.
Trade continues to be a key growth engine. The country ranked:
- 1st globally in high-tech exports
- 4th in high-tech imports
- 16th in creative goods exports
- 20th in ICT services exports
These indicators confirm the Philippines’ pivotal role in global digital and creative supply chains.
“Innovation enablers driving growth”? Yes—but with nuance
The phrase “innovation enablers driving growth” accurately describes the current trend: stronger institutions, policies, and business sophistication are translating into measurable results.
For instance:
- Institutional improvement: The Philippines recorded its highest jump in the Institutions pillar (up 14 places in one year).
- Policy and collaboration: The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) cited its Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) program as a key contributor to this progress.
However, some claimed enablers—such as rising brand and design value or high intangible-asset intensity—are less clearly substantiated in public GII data. While trade and IP-related metrics are strong, further transparency in the underlying indicators would strengthen the narrative.
Regional and income-group standing
Within its lower-middle-income group, the Philippines ranks 3rd among 37 economies.
In the Southeast Asia–East Asia–Oceania region, it stands 11th among 17 economies.
The steady climb—from 56th (2023) to 53rd (2024) to 50th (2025)—places the country on track to enter the global top 40 by 2030.
Challenges that remain
Despite progress, several gaps persist:
- Low R&D investment continues to constrain technological depth and local innovation.
- Human capital and research remain underdeveloped, still ranking around 84th in 2024.
- Innovation capacity outside Metro Manila is uneven, with limited university–industry commercialization.
- Shortages in advanced STEM and AI skills hinder the scaling of deep-tech ventures.
Bridging these divides is vital for inclusive, sustainable innovation growth.
A roadmap for sustained growth
Sustaining momentum will require deeper collaboration and sharper strategic focus:
· Expand regional innovation hubs and ITSO networks nationwide.
· Strengthen university–industry linkages and technology transfer systems.
· Scale venture capital for IP-based start-ups and deep-tech firms.
· Promote green and inclusive innovation in climate and social impact areas.
· Build robust STEM and digital talent pipelines, especially in AI, quantum, and biotech fields.
Conclusion
The Philippines’ entry into the Top 50 of the Global Innovation Index marks an important milestone in its innovation journey. It signals a nation competing not just on cost or scale, but on creativity, resilience, and collaboration.
At TechMatch Asia, we are proud to support this momentum through IP commercialization, mentorship, and international partnerships connecting Filipino innovators to global markets. With continued policy support, research investment, and entrepreneurial drive, the Philippines is well on its way to becoming a recognized innovation leader in Asia.
