Global Innovation Index 2024: Thailand Climbs to 41st Position

Thailand has made notable strides in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024, moving up to 41st place with a score of 36.9, up from its previous 43rd rank. Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), announced the achievement while emphasizing the country’s increasing focus on social entrepreneurship as a key driver for sustainable growth.

Focus on Social Entrepreneurship as a Driver of Innovation

This year's GII theme centers on unlocking the potential of social entrepreneurs—innovators who tackle critical societal challenges. Dr. Krithpaka noted that the insights from the report will support policymakers and innovation programs in enhancing social entrepreneurship, thereby fostering broader societal transformation.

“This milestone marks a significant achievement for Thailand’s innovation sector,” said Dr. Krithpaka. “Both the Innovation Input and Output Sub-Indices have improved, signaling greater efficiency in converting investments into impactful innovations.”

Advances in Innovation Inputs and Outputs

Thailand's advancement places it among nations that outperform expectations relative to their economic development. Out of 34 upper-middle-income economies, Thailand’s innovation performance surpasses the average across all metrics. Regionally, the country ranks 9th out of 17 nations in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania, while maintaining its position as 3rd among ASEAN countries, behind only Singapore and Malaysia.

This development is particularly notable in ASEAN, where Thailand ranks third, following Singapore and Malaysia, among its peers in innovation performance.

Private Sector’s Role in Leading Innovation

Dr. Krithpaka highlighted the country's improvement in nearly all seven key innovation factors. Business Sophistication, in particular, rose by two spots to 41st globally. Thailand also retained its world-leading status for the fifth consecutive year in Gross Domestic Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) financed by businesses, reflecting the private sector's strong commitment to R&D and innovation.

Thailand’s Regional Leadership in Innovation

The announcement coincided with a forum titled "Innovation System Development and Driving Thailand towards an "Innovation Nation", featuring key players such as the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), and the Creative Economy Agency (CEA). Representatives from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) also joined the event virtually, underscoring Thailand's growing global collaboration in innovation.

“This gathering underscores Thailand’s readiness to elevate its innovation ecosystem systematically,” Dr. Krithpaka added. “By aligning with the GII framework, we are setting the foundation for a future where Thailand emerges as a globally recognized Innovation Nation.”

Collaboration Towards an ‘Innovation Nation’

With its focus on social entrepreneurship, business innovation, and intellectual property, Thailand is well-positioned to accelerate its global innovation leadership, fostering both economic growth and societal advancement. This progress supports Thailand's ambition to evolve into an "Innovation Nation," with increased focus on intellectual property, social entrepreneurship, and creative economy development​

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