The Netherlands Named One of The Most Innovative Countries of 2023
The Global Innovation Index recognizes Dutch collaboration in pioneering innovative solutions for a better world
In the dynamic world of global innovation, the Netherlands ranks 7th in the world on the 2023 Global Innovation Index (GII) for the most innovative world economy.
The Netherlands continues to invest in innovation across various sectors, underscoring its status as Europe’s 5th most innovative economy. Thanks to the country’s renowned entrepreneurial culture and innovation-friendly business environment, the Dutch have long played a role in global business innovation.
Innovation ecosystem attracting global attention
Ranking 4th for entrepreneurship and 5th for business environment in the 2023 Global Innovation Index, the Netherlands attracts entrepreneurs and innovators worldwide. Favorable entrepreneurship policies and an open, collaborative culture help the country foster the ideal environment for growth. In fact, the Netherlands is home to a vibrant, collaborative startup ecosystem, ranking third in finance for startups and scale-ups on the Index.
Knowledge sharing and world class institutions
Research and development are a cornerstone of innovation in the Netherlands, helping develop robust partnerships between academia, government and industry. Through this exchange of knowledge, innovation thrives. This approach has contributed to the country’s 4th place ranking in the Global Innovation Index for university-industry R&D collaboration.
Top ranking universities on the Index include the University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology and Utrecht University. This emphasizes the highly skilled Dutch talent pool, as shown by a 4th rank for knowledge-intensive employment.
The Dutch city of Eindhoven, renowned for its cutting-edge research and technological advancements, has also been named as one of the top ten science and technology clusters in the world relative to population density.
Creating smart, sustainable solutions for the future
Additionally, the Netherlands ranks among the top ten for its strong creative output driving forward global innovation. Leveraging its innovation ecosystem, the Netherlands has made significant contributions to discoveries and technological advancements across industries, with a remarkable track record in patents and intellectual property. This robust intellectual property presence was a highlighted strength in the 2023 Global Innovation Index report, underscoring the nation’s strong position in innovation linkages.
The country’s many other strengths – such as its strategic location, top-notch logistics and technology infrastructure – rank third in the report. The Netherlands’ well-developed infrastructure serves as a gateway to Europe and beyond, facilitating trade and connectivity. It is also a frontrunner in digital connectivity, paving the way for data-driven innovation.
Nurturing innovation for a better world
The Netherlands’ performance in the 2023 Global Innovation Index is a great example of its commitment to fostering innovation. The Dutch maintain a forward-thinking mindset by providing an exceptional environment for businesses to thrive and embrace cutting-edge solutions in the face of global challenges. As one of the world’s top innovators, the country continues to navigate a fast-changing world to develop solutions that improve life for everyone.
About the Global Innovation Index (GII)
The Global Innovation Index (GII) takes the pulse of innovation against an economic and geopolitical environment fraught with uncertainty. It reveals the most innovative economies in the world. The index ranks the innovation performance of around 132 economies while highlighting innovation strengths and weaknesses.
Source: Global Innovation Index 2023
23 October 2023