Philippine global innovation rating up by 9 notches

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines improved nine notches to end at 74th among 128 countries in this year’s Global Innovation Index (GII) report.

The country was ahead of Kazakhstan and behind Oman in the ranking. Switzerland got the No.1 spot.

“We are happy to know that through this GII survey, we know how our country has improved and how Filipinos can achieve the innovation economy that we all aspire for. This would push us to extend more efforts in making innovation as a mindset for every Filipino,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Nora Terrado said.

The country’s biggest gain in this year’s report was seen in human capital and research, where the Philippines ranked 95th from 123rd in 2015.

DTI said human capital and research measured the quality of the country’s education, in which research and development are given importance.

To ensure further improvement in the country’s ranking in terms of innovation, Terrado said the DTI would need the help of other government agencies, as well as educational institutions, and the private sector.

Terrado cited the collaboration of the DTI with the private sector in advancing the Startup Ecosystem Development Program to increase the success rate of Filipino innovative enterprises in introducing their products and services in the local and international markets.