The ranking marks a significant improvement in Vietnam’s performance over the past decade, rising from 59th place in 2016 to 44th in 2024 and 2025, and 43rd in 2026.
The country ranked 35th for innovation outputs, up two places from last year.
WIPO recognized Vietnam as one of seven middle-income economies that have improved their innovation performance the fastest since 2013, alongside China, India, Turkey, the Philippines, Morocco, and Indonesia.
In 2026, Vietnam continued to lead the world in both the share of high-tech exports and the share of creative goods exports in total trade.
The country ranked third in the share of high-tech imports, fifth in the number of smartphone applications developed and used, and sixth in labor productivity growth.
Vietnam also posted strong performances in indicators such as the share of business-funded research and development (R&D) expenditure, domestic credit to the private sector, and the weighted average tariff rate. University-industry research collaboration rose seven places to 24th, while global brand value climbed one spot to 28th.
