The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has improved its standing in the global innovation ranking. It moved up one spot compared to last year, securing 14th place out of 139 economies in the Global Innovation Index for 2026. This index was published by the World Intellectual Property Organization on Tuesday, and Hong Kong maintained its fifth position in Asia.
In terms of innovation resources, Hong Kong held the eighth position globally, while its innovative product indicators rose to 21st place. Among its main strengths, the city ranked second globally for market complexity, and its human capital and research indicators improved, reaching sixth and seventh place for institutions, respectively.
The rating improvement comes amid active efforts by Hong Kong to transform into a global science and technology center, as declared within its five-year plan presented at the beginning of this month. The HKSAR government committed to creating a comprehensive industrial ecosystem covering research and development, commercialization, pilot, and mass production in new technological parks of the Northern Metropolis.
A representative of the HKSAR government stated that a new industrialization, adapted to local conditions, will also be promoted, a distinctive structure for industrial development will be created, and the 'AI+' initiative will be developed. Furthermore, strengthening computing infrastructure and accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence among small and medium-sized enterprises are planned.
The Global Innovation Index is a ranking of the innovation capabilities and outcomes of economies worldwide. Its assessment includes several indicators such as institutions, human capital, and research infrastructure, lending, investments, supply chains, creation, absorption, and dissemination of knowledge, as well as creative outputs.
