Australia has moved up two places in the 2014 Global Innovation Index as a result of strong performance in the country’s education and infrastructure sectors.
The GII 2014 surveyed 143 economies around the world, using 81 indicators, to gauge both their innovation capabilities and measurable results.
The index is now a leading benchmark tool for business executives, policy makers and others seeking insight into the state of innovation around the world.
Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane and director general of the World Intellectual Property Organisation, Francis Gurry, released the GII results today.
Strengths in trade and competition, with a top ranking, along with strong performances in tertiary education, research and development and general infrastructure helped Australia move up two places to 17th from a ranking of 19th last year.
“Australia is an investment destination offering a highly skilled workforce,” Mr MacFarlane said.
“We understand that efforts to increase prosperity depend on innovation, creativity and a focus on new global markets, as well as a strong intellectual property system – a central part of the growth agenda being discussed by the G20.”