Thailand dips in innovation index

Thailand's ranking in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 dropped to 45th out of 139 economies from 41st last year, attributed to changes in the methodological framework, the rapid improvement of competitor economies, and declining rankings in some sub-indices.

- SUCHIT LEESA-NGUANSUK

The report is issued by the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Krithpaka Boonfueng, executive director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), said the score dipped as the number of economies increased from 132 to 139, while Thailand fared poorly due to low investment from venture capital (VC), low foreign direct investment into newinnovation, and no new unicorn startups.

She said Thailand previously received a good rating for infrastructure, but has declined as other countries improved their infrastructure.

“Thailand should provide more support for procurement of local innovation to encourage local innovation firms, which would lift the country’s GII ranking,’ said Ms Krithpaka.

She said the NIA supports industry-specific innovation hubs, such as for agricultural innovation.