The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) released the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024 on September 26, marking another promising year for the Philippines in the global innovation landscape. While high-income nations such as Switzerland, Sweden, and the United States claimed the top ranks, the Philippines made significant strides of its own, advancing three spots to reach the 53rd position globally. The country also secured the 3rd position within the lower middle-income group, behind India and Vietnam, and ranked 5th among ASEAN member states.
Key Innovations Driving the Philippines Forward
The GII report emphasizes several areas where the Philippines excelled this year, particularly in trade-related indicators. The country ranked 1st globally in High-tech exports and 4th in High-tech imports, showcasing the Philippines’ dynamic engagement with advanced technologies. Additionally, Creative goods exports and ICT services exports were standout sectors, ranking 14th and 19th, respectively, underlining the country’s increasing impact on the global digital and creative economy.
Further improvements were seen in intangible assets, including a strong showing in Global brand value (34th globally) and the intangible asset intensity of its enterprises (35th), highlighting the evolution of Philippine companies as global players with valuable intellectual capital.
A Unified Push Toward Innovation
This progress reflects a collaborative effort across government and private sectors. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) continues to foster an ecosystem of growth by promoting entrepreneurship and technological progress through initiatives aligned with landmark legislation such as the Philippine Innovation Act, the Innovative Startup Act, and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act.
Strategic national programs have been instrumental in driving these advancements. Notably, the recent establishment of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR) positions the Philippines as a key destination for AI-driven innovation and investment. Furthermore, plans for an Industry 4.0 Pilot Factory (I4PF) are underway, set to serve as a model for manufacturing hubs that will enable industry players to collaborate and experiment with next-generation Industry 4.0 technologies.
Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Synergies
The 2024 GII report also spotlighted the theme “Unlocking the Promise of Social Entrepreneurship,” emphasizing the synergy between innovation and social enterprises. In the Philippines, over half of social enterprises are leveraging innovation to expand their impact, highlighting a sector that is both mission-driven and growth-oriented.
Strengthening IP and University-Industry Partnerships
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) continues to play a critical role in supporting innovation through its Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) program, which facilitates knowledge transfer between universities and industries. IPOPHL is now expanding its ITSO program to amplify innovation inputs and outputs across various regions.
Institutional Improvements and the Future of Philippine Innovation
A particularly noteworthy advancement for the Philippines in the GII rankings came in the “institutions” pillar, where it moved up 14 positions to 65th. This leap was largely driven by regulatory enhancements that improved the country’s business environment, boosting investor confidence and fostering a more agile innovation framework.
The Philippines’ achievements in the 2024 Global Innovation Index underscore the country’s potential to be a leading innovation hub among emerging economies. Through dedicated policy support, industry collaboration, and sustained investments in technology and infrastructure, the Philippines is poised to continue rising as a global player in innovation.
