The Global Innovation Index (GII) is an essential framework for evaluating and understanding global innovation dynamics. The assessment of science and technology (S&T) clusters stands out among its various metrics. These clusters, representing local concentrations of advanced scientific and technological activity, play a crucial role in fostering innovation on both national and global levels. The GII uses a detailed bottom-up approach to identify these clusters by analyzing patterns in patent filings and scientific publications, mapping the geographic areas where inventors and researchers gather.
Global Rankings and New Developments
In 2024, the GII highlights the top 100 S&T clusters worldwide, showcasing regions with the highest densities of inventors and scientific authors. The Tokyo–Yokohama region in Japan continues to lead, followed by the Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou cluster in China. These top clusters are known for their high output of PCT applications. For instance, Mitsubishi Electric is a key contributor to the Tokyo–Yokohama cluster, while Huawei drives innovation in Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou. Together, these clusters account for nearly 20% of global PCT applications, highlighting their significant role in international innovation.
Beijing holds the third position, surpassing Seoul, which is now fourth. The Shanghai–Suzhou cluster is in fifth place, reflecting a recent increase in PCT filings. The San Jose–San Francisco area in California maintains its sixth-place ranking. The top 10 clusters are largely consistent with the previous year, though there are notable shifts such as Nanjing (China) moving to the 10th position, displacing San Diego, California, and New York City, which now ranks 11th.
The 2024 rankings introduce five new clusters to the top 100, including Nanchang (China) and Cairo (Egypt), with Cairo being the first North African city to enter the top 100. Kunming (China) and Macao SAR–Zhuhai (China) also make their debut, alongside Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). These new entries are recognised for their growing scientific output, with Macao SAR–Zhuhai's increase in PCT filings driven by contributions from GREE Electric Appliances.
China's notable growth in S&T output is evident, with Hefei and Zhengzhou emerging as the fastest-growing clusters globally. Hefei’s growth, at 22.7%, is attributed to increased PCT applications from ChangXin Memory Technologies, while Zhengzhou, with an 18.9% rise, benefits from a surge in published scientific articles from Zhengzhou University. Other middle-income economies such as Cairo, Chennai (India), and Istanbul (Turkey) also exhibit significant growth.
Conversely, many clusters in high-income economies show slower growth, with 37 out of 63 experiencing declines in S&T output. Nevertheless, some high-income clusters, such as Daejeon (South Korea), Seoul, San Diego, and Warsaw, Poland, demonstrate substantial growth rates, with Daejeon seeing a 6.9% increase, Seoul 4.1%, San Diego 4.2%, and Warsaw 3.1%.
Regional Distribution and S&T Intensity
S&T clusters are predominantly concentrated in three major regions: North America, Europe, and Asia. China leads the rankings with the highest number of clusters (26) in the top 100, followed by the United States with 20 clusters. Germany ranks third with eight clusters, including notable cities like Munich, Cologne, and Stuttgart. India’s representation includes Bengaluru (56th), Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai, while South Korea has four clusters. France, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada each have three top clusters.
Among middle-income countries, Brazil’s São Paulo stands as the sole top 100 cluster in Latin America, while Egypt’s Cairo remains the continent’s only cluster in the top 100. Additional notable clusters include Tehran (Iran), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and Istanbul (Turkey), each reflecting significant S&T activity in their respective regions.
The 2024 GII report also highlights top S&T clusters in Africa. Besides Cairo, which features prominently in the global top 100, Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, Tunis in Tunisia, and Alexandria in Egypt are recognised. Egypt leads the continent with the highest number of clusters, followed by South Africa and Morocco. Many African clusters excel in scientific publications rather than patent filings, although countries like Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, and Tunisia also demonstrate notable international patenting activity.
S&T Intensity in Europe and the United States
Since 2020, the GII has assessed S&T clusters based on their intensity, calculated by combining patents and scientific publications per capita. In 2024, Cambridge in the United Kingdom and San Jose–San Francisco in California lead as the most S&T-intensive clusters globally. Cambridge’s high intensity is driven by contributions from Cambridge University and ARM, with over 35,000 scientific articles produced per million people. San Jose–San Francisco leads in PCT filings per capita, with approximately 7,900 per million people. Eindhoven in the Netherlands follows with 7,536 PCT filings per million.
The United States is well-represented in the top S&T-intensive clusters, with San Jose–San Francisco, Boston–Cambridge, and San Diego all featuring prominently. Asia also showcases high-performing clusters, with Daejeon in South Korea leading the region in S&T intensity. Beijing and Tokyo–Yokohama also rank highly, reflecting their significant contributions to innovation in Asia. Qingdao, China, emerges as a new entrant in the top 25, propelled by strong patenting activity from Qingdao Haier Air Conditioner and scientific publications from Qingdao University.
S&T Activity Distribution by Region
The largest S&T clusters globally are concentrated in East Asia. Tokyo–Yokohama (Japan) leads as the largest global S&T cluster, followed by Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou (China and Hong Kong), Beijing (China), Seoul (South Korea), and Shanghai–Suzhou (China). Tokyo–Yokohama and Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou together account for nearly one in five PCT applications filed globally.
The Cambridge cluster in the United Kingdom and San Jose–San Francisco, CA in the United States are identified as the clusters with the highest S&T activity intensity, proportionate to population density, followed by Eindhoven (Netherlands), Oxford (UK), and Boston–Cambridge (US).
The top 100 S&T clusters are predominantly located in North America, Europe, and Asia, with a strong concentration in China and the United States. China leads with the most clusters (26) in the top 100 for the second consecutive year, followed by the United States (20), Germany (8), and India and South Korea each with four clusters.
This year, four clusters made their debut in the top 100: Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) at 93rd, Nanchang (China) at 94th, Cairo (Egypt) at 95th—also the only African cluster—Kunming (China) at 98th, and Macao Special Administrative Region of China–Zhuhai (Macao SAR–Zhuhai) at 100th.
Several middle-income economies, besides China, experienced significant growth in S&T output. Cairo (Egypt) recorded the highest growth rate at 10.9%, followed by Chennai (India) at 7.8% and Istanbul (Turkey) at 7.5%.
Approximately half of all PCT applications in the top 100 clusters are in seven technology fields: Computer technology (12%), Digital communication (11.5%), Electrical machinery, apparatus, and energy (6.6%), Medical technology (6.5%), Audio-visual technology (4.7%), Measurement (4.6%), and Pharmaceuticals (4.5%). The top 10 clusters contribute 65% to the overall total. PCT applications in electrical engineering fields are notably concentrated in Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou (70% of the total cluster), Beijing (70%), San Diego (71%), and Seattle (72%).
The GII report offers a thorough overview of the global S&T landscape, emphasizing East Asia’s dominant role while recognizing the growing contributions from clusters in other regions and countries.
Comparative Analysis of Global S&T Clusters: Patents and Publications
In 2024, the global S&T cluster landscape reveals significant regional variations in innovation output, particularly regarding Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications and scientific publications. The top 10 clusters exhibit diverse strengths and collaborative patterns.
Tokyo–Yokohama in Japan leads with 134,769 PCT applications and 117,294 scientific publications from 2019 to 2023. This cluster boasts 3,712 PCT applications and 3,231 publications per million inhabitants, showcasing its leading position in global innovation. The collaborative nature of Tokyo–Yokohama is evident, with research conducted by institutions such as the University of Tokyo and Hitachi contributing significantly to its high output.
Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou follows with 131,186 PCT applications and 91,044 publications, showing 3,204 PCT applications and 2,290 publications per million people. Huawei and Tsinghua University are key contributors to this cluster’s significant patenting activity.
Beijing ranks third with 103,416 PCT applications and 104,817 publications, representing 2,582 PCT applications and 2,504 publications per million inhabitants. The presence of Beijing University and China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) underscores its innovative capabilities.
The San Jose–San Francisco region, encompassing Silicon Valley, reports 102,785 PCT applications and 87,462 scientific publications, translating to 2,396 PCT applications and 2,060 publications per million people. This cluster’s high innovation output is driven by major tech firms like Apple and Google.
Seoul holds fifth place with 84,321 PCT applications and 71,800 publications, reflecting 2,134 PCT applications and 1,731 publications per million people. Samsung Electronics and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) contribute to its robust patenting output.
Shanghai–Suzhou ranks sixth, with 82,076 PCT applications and 64,058 publications, resulting in 2,118 PCT applications and 1,601 publications per million inhabitants. This cluster benefits from contributions by Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Alibaba.
Boston–Cambridge, MA, stands seventh with 78,569 PCT applications and 71,215 publications, showing 1,901 PCT applications and 1,724 publications per million people. Major universities like Harvard and MIT drive its high S&T output.
Daejeon, South Korea, ranks eighth with 74,212 PCT applications and 55,946 publications, equivalent to 1,736 PCT applications and 1,335 publications per million people. The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) is a key player in this cluster’s innovation landscape.
Munich follows in ninth place with 72,013 PCT applications and 61,876 publications, amounting to 1,684 PCT applications and 1,451 publications per million people. Siemens and the Technical University of Munich are significant contributors.
The 10th position is held by Nanjing with 64,703 PCT applications and 56,791 publications, representing 1,540 PCT applications and 1,325 publications per million inhabitants. Nanjing University and Nanjing Yangzi River Pharmaceutical Group contribute to this cluster’s high S&T output.
India's Position in Global Innovation Clusters
India has solidified its standing in the global innovation landscape, with four major science and technology hubs—Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai—earning spots among the top 100 worldwide.
Bengaluru is India's premier innovation center, ranked 56th globally. From 2019 to 2023, Bengaluru filed 4,654 Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications and produced 16,029 scientific publications between 2018 and 2022. This translates to an average of 313 PCT applications and 1,077 scientific publications per million residents. Known as the "Silicon Valley of India," Bengaluru excels in IT services, software development, and biotechnology. Notable players in the patent landscape include Samsung Electronics, with 829 PCT patents, followed by SABIC Global Technologies B.V. with 166 PCT patents and Nokia with 133 PCT patents. IISc tops the list of publishing organisations with 5,339 articles, while the National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) also contribute significantly to scientific research.
Delhi, ranked 63rd globally, is India’s second-highest science and technology cluster. Between 2019 and 2023, Delhi filed 1,131 PCT applications and produced 31,795 scientific publications from 2018 to 2022, averaging 39 PCT applications and 1,102 publications per million people. Delhi's innovation ecosystem benefits from its proximity to the central government, which enhances R&D investments and international collaborations. Prestigious institutions such as IIT Delhi and AIIMS play crucial roles in this landscape. Leading patent applicants include Samsung Electronics with 126 PCT patents, LM Ericsson with 43 PCT patents, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) with 41 PCT patents. In academic publishing, IIT Delhi leads with 5,083 articles, followed by the University of Delhi with 3,028 articles and AIIMS New Delhi with 1,893 articles.
Chennai, India’s third-largest science and technology cluster, is ranked 82nd globally. The city filed 1,199 PCT applications and produced 20,339 scientific publications between 2018 and 2022, averaging 110 PCT applications and 1,871 publications per million people. Chennai’s innovation scene features collaborations with Bengaluru, San Jose–San Francisco, and Tokyo–Yokohama. Major contributors to PCT patents include TVS Motor Company with 354 patents, IIT with 128 patents, and LM Ericsson with 70 patents. In scientific publishing, IIT Madras leads with 5,359 articles, followed by Anna University Chennai with 2,410 articles and the University of Madras with 889 articles.
Mumbai, ranked 84th globally, rounds out India’s representation in the top 100 clusters. The city filed 1,705 PCT applications and produced 16,146 scientific publications between 2018 and 2022, averaging 80 PCT applications and 756 publications per million people. Mumbai's collaborative efforts include PCT applications with Bengaluru, Pune, and Heidelberg–Montheim. Prominent contributors to patent applications include Pratik Sharma with 212 patents, UPL Limited with 81 patents, and Jio Platforms Limited with 46 patents. Mumbai's top publishing institutions include IIT Bombay, with 5,244 articles, Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) with 1,491 articles, and the Homi Bhabha National Institute with 1,306 articles.
These cities collectively enhance India's global innovation footprint, highlighting the country’s growing influence in science and technology.
Future Outlook and Strategic Implications
The 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII) highlights a shift in global science and technology (S&T) clusters, with emerging markets like China, India, and Egypt gaining prominence. China's significant investments in technology and infrastructure are set to bolster its innovation leadership. However, this centralisation should be critically assessed to determine if it fosters innovation or enhances existing strengths.
India’s growing role in innovation, particularly in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, shows progress but faces systemic inefficiencies and infrastructural challenges. Investments in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology are promising but require close monitoring to ensure they result in substantial advancements rather than superficial improvements.
Global collaboration is increasingly vital, yet there is a need to question whether these partnerships genuinely promote diversity or reinforce existing power dynamics. Clusters engaged in international collaborations, such as San Jose–San Francisco and Tokyo–Yokohama, might benefit, but this could widen disparities between leading and emerging regions. The focus on addressing global challenges like climate change through innovation must be scrutinised for real impact versus potential greenwashing.
Geopolitical factors will influence innovation distribution, with stable environments attracting more investment. However, this stability might entrench existing inequalities, favouring established hubs over emerging players. Geopolitical tensions and trade policies could amplify these disparities, necessitating a nuanced approach to international collaboration.
Strategically, governments and policymakers must prioritise infrastructure, education, and R&D investments while addressing systemic inefficiencies to support genuine innovation. India’s emphasis on startups and international collaborations should be balanced with measures to overcome internal barriers. Businesses should align R&D strategies with emerging trends, avoiding investments in technologies that lack long-term value. Educational institutions must enhance their global influence without reinforcing power structures. Sustainability should be a core focus, ensuring that innovations contribute significantly to environmental and societal goals rather than merely serving as greenwashing.
IP Round up
ANI Sues Netflix, Controversy Surrounds 'Kandahar Hijack' Series": Asia News International (ANI) has sued Netflix and the producers of "IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack" for alleged copyright and trademark infringement. ANI claims the show used its footage, including a visible logo, without permission. The Delhi High Court has issued notices to Netflix and producers Matchbox Shots and Benaras Mediaworks, directing them to respond within two days. ANI argues that the show misrepresents the hijacking and associates its footage with a controversial narrative. Producers contend they acquired the footage legally from Conceptual and Wilderness and dispute ANI's claims. The court will next review the case on September 13. (Source: Inc24)
Spotify Cleared in Eminem Royalties Lawsuit: The legal dispute between Spotify and Eminem's publishing company, Eight Mile Style, has concluded in Spotify's favor due to a legal loophole. Eight Mile Style had sued Spotify in 2019, alleging that the streaming service streamed over 240 of Eminem's songs without proper licensing and sought nearly $40 million in damages. A Tennessee judge ruled this week that while Spotify lacked licenses for the tracks, it isn't liable for unpaid royalties. The judge stated that any damages should be sought from Kobalt Music Group, responsible for royalty collection, not Spotify. Consequently, Kobalt may need to cover attorney fees and other expenses. (Source: RollingStones.com)
Delhi HC Blocks Vadodara Restaurant from Using 'SOCIAL' Trademark: The Delhi High Court has issued an interim injunction restraining a Vadodara-based restaurant from using the trademark "SOCIAL," registered by Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. Impresario, which operates multiple "SOCIAL" restaurants across India, argued that the defendant, Star Hospitality, had deceptively adopted the name "SOCIAL AFFAIR" to exploit its goodwill, causing confusion among customers. The court agreed, stating that the defendant's use of the "SOCIAL" mark was likely to mislead the public into believing Impresario had expanded into Vadodara. The court temporarily barred Star Hospitality from using the trademark until the next hearing on January 16, 2025. (Source: LiveLaw)
AI Publications and Patents Surge:AI-related publications have surged dramatically over the past decade, skyrocketing from 88,000 in 2010 to over 240,000 by 2022, encompassing research papers, books, articles, and conference presentations. This growth is mirrored by a 62% increase in AI patents during the same period, as reported by the Stanford AI Index Report 2024. However, since 2022, the pace of publication growth has decelerated. (Source: Economic Times)
Databricks Sues Ascend IP Over Patent Extortion Scheme: Databricks has filed a lawsuit against patent monetisation firm Ascend IP and its founders, James Weisfield and Riam Chummun, alleging a scheme to exploit bogus intellectual property claims for nuisance settlements. The suit, lodged in federal court in Seattle, accuses Ascend IP and its founders of engaging in unfair and deceptive practices. Databricks, known for its cloud data platform offering AI and tech tools, claims that Weisfield and Chummun use frivolous lawsuits and shell companies to evade liability for their alleged bad faith patent infringement claims. The complaint also includes Byteweavr and other entities as part of the extortion scheme. Databricks seeks unspecified triple damages and has incurred significant legal costs defending against what it calls meritless patent claims. (Source: Reuters)
References:
Dadmi, S. (2024, September 9). Delhi High Court restrains Vadodara restaurant from using 'SOCIAL' trademark. LiveLaw. https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/delhi-high-court/delhi-high-court-trademark-infringement-interim-injunction-ex-parte-social-restaurants-269032
Inc42. (2024, September 10). IC 814 series: ANI sues Netflix over copyright, trademark infringement. Inc42. https://inc42.com/buzz/ic-814-series-ani-sues-netflix-over-copyright-trademark-infringement/
Moorthy, S. (2024, September 10). Publications on AI spurt, and so do patents. The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/publications-on-ai-spurt-and-so-do-patents/articleshow/113218730.cms?from=mdr
Paul, L. (2024, September 5). Eminem’s copyright infringement case against Spotify ends with loophole ruling. Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/eminem-spotify-copyright-infringement-case-ends-1235095709/
Scarcella, M. (2024, September 10). Databricks sues patent holders over alleged extortion scheme. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/databricks-sues-patent-holders-over-alleged-extortion-scheme-2024-09-09/
World Intellectual Property Organisation. (2024). Global Innovation Index 2024: Science & technology clusters - Top 100. Retrieved from https://www.wipo.int/en/web/global-innovation-index/2024/science-technology-clusters#top100
