The Philippines ranked 50th in Global Innovation Index (GII) 2020, its best rank ever, among 131 countries surveyed.
The report by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) showed the Philippines rose 4 notches higher than its 2019 ranking at 54th. The Philippines ranked 73rd in 2018, and 100th in 2014.
The GII showed the Philippines performed better in innovation inputs at 70th and 41st in innovation outputs globally and improved from its previous rankings.
The Philippines also ranked 4th among the 29 lower middle-income group economies.
Notably, the country ranked 11th among 17 economies in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania.
Together with other economies such as China, India, and Vietnam, the Philippines has made the most significant progress in the GII innovation ranking over time.
It also stands out for the innovativeness of its business sector.
The Philippines produces more innovation outputs relative to its level of innovation investments. It is an efficient innovator. It was also ranked higher at 19th on e-commerce.
Its strengths lie in knowledge absorption (7), knowledge and tech outputs (26), UMS by origin (8), and knowledge diffusion (8).
It has weaknesses in education (114), expenditure on education (106), GERD financed abroad (91) and scientific and technical articles (125).