Dubai: The UAE has been ranked first among the Middle East countries in terms of overall performance in the 2014 Global Innovation Index, a report published by Cornell University, Insead and the World Intellectual Property Organisation in Dubai showed.

GII 2014 surveys 143 economies around the world, using 81 indicators — to gauge both their innovation capabilities and measurable results. Published annually since 2007, the GII is now a leading benchmarking tool for business executives, policymakers and others seek insight into the state of innovation around the world.

Switzerland, the UK and Sweden topped this year’s index, while Sub-Saharan Africa posted significant regional improvement in the annual rankings.

The UAE was ranked 36th globally this year compared to 38 last year.

“The UAE was founded on the principles of innovation, creativity and knowledge, as suitably demonstrated by the latest initiative, the launch of Emirates Space Agency recently by His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which is the first Arab and Islamic project to send a probe to Mars,” Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, said in his keynote speech.

Nurturing human capital

He said that UAE leadership has from the beginning invested in nurturing human capital that is capable of achieving such ambitions. The UAE is also characterised by its high ability to build an environment that encourages creativity and innovation, and attracts talent. It also has plans to transform the government into a smart government, and to transform our cities into innovative, human-friendly smart cities.

“The UAE encourages innovation in the fields of internet, media, renewable energy and industries, and our economy is one of the knowledge and innovation-based economies as classified by the World Economic Forum, while our technological infrastructure is among the best in the world. And above all, our leadership believes that innovation is the asset of the future,” Al Gergawi said.

Osman Sultan, CEO, du, said that it is not surprising that the UAE leads the region in key innovation parameters, the continued progression of the UAE in the GII rankings is proof positive of national efforts to bolster innovation-driven sustainable growth. There are three areas in which the country has demonstrated significant growth: human capital and research, infrastructure, and country institutions, which are the key pillars to fostering a connected society.

Investing in these areas will “empower business acumen and facilitate a knowledge-based economy, powered by connectedness,” he said.

Bruno Lanvin, Executive Director for Global Indices at Insead, and co-author of the report, said although the region has to do more to achieve its full potential, regional stars such as UAE and Saudi Arabia continue to move up in the rankings and closer to the top innovation economies.