Cyprus has climbed to 25th in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, reflecting its growing status as an innovation leader. This ranking, released by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), marks an improvement of two places from the previous year, solidifying the island’s trajectory in recent years.
Out of 139 economies analysed, Cyprus retains its position as the second-highest ranked country in the Northern Africa and Western Asia region, trailing only Israel. The competitive nature of this area saw 14 out of 18 economies improve their rankings in 2025, highlighting the dynamic landscape of innovation.
According to the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Cyprus ranks 16th globally in innovation outputs. This showcases how investments in innovation are translating into impactful products and services that benefit both the economy and society.
Global innovation: Leading Indicators of Innovation
Cyprus has achieved notable rankings in several individual GII indicators, standing alongside global giants like the United States, Israel, China, and Singapore. The island leads in various categories, including:
- Mobile application creation
- Exports of cultural and creative services
- ICT service exports and imports
- Co-investment by venture capital investors
These achievements reflect a growing international confidence in Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem. The Deputy Ministry highlighted other impressive rankings, such as:
- Second place in industrial designs
- Fifth in net inflows of foreign direct investment
- Eighth in attracting foreign students
Moreover, Cyprus ranks 11th in creative outputs, underscoring its potential in the cultural and creative sectors.
Areas for Future Growth
While the GII report showcases Cyprus’ progress, it also identifies areas that require attention. Key points for improvement include:
- High-tech imports
- The size of the domestic market
- The share of graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
Additionally, the report emphasises the need for increased funding for start-ups and growing enterprises to further enhance the innovation landscape.
Encouragement and Commitment
The Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, expressed satisfaction with the continued upward trajectory of Cyprus in the Global Innovation Index. He noted that these results demonstrate the island’s ability to overcome structural challenges and establish itself as a regional hub for innovation and technological development.
Damianou reiterated the commitment to pursuing targeted policies that foster research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the development of human capital. This determination reflects a belief in the potential of Cyprus to remain a competitive player in the global innovation arena.
