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Global Innovation Index: Austria Still in Top 20
Austria reaffirms its position as one of the world’s most innovative countries. In the newly released Global Innovation Index, the Republic ranks 19th out of 139 assessed economies, maintaining its place among the international frontrunners.
The study, published annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the business school INSEAD, and Cornell University, reaffirms Austria the status of “Innovation Leader” – a title reserved only for the top 25 countries worldwide.
Austria’s Strengths
The country stands out particularly in research & development, patents, and basic infrastructure. Encouragingly, Austria scores above the European average in all assessed categories – clear evidence of the solid foundation of its innovation landscape.
Stefan Harasek, President of the Austrian Patent Office, views the results positively: “The Global Innovation Index confirms Austria’s strong position as a hub of innovation. Our internationally recognized researchers and the high quality of our inventions offer tremendous potential.”
Weak Point: Capital
There is, however, a significant setback in the availability of venture capital. Austria has already been weak in this category in recent years. Now the study reports a further decline in venture capital deals – i.e., the provision of risk capital for start-ups. With -25.8% between 2023 and 2024, this factor drags down Austria’s overall score.
Compared to last year, Austria slipped two spots: from 17th to 19th place. However, a multi-year comparison shows a stable development: since 2020, the country has consistently ranked between 17th and 19th.
Patents as Assets
The federal government has recognized the financing problem and is already working on solutions. A key project is “IP Finance,” anchored in the government program and now being implemented. The idea is that intangible assets such as patents will in future be eligible for inclusion on company balance sheets.
16. September 2025
