Pakistan 'overperformer' in innovation, climbs 4 ranks globally in 2026: report

Pakistan moved to 95th place among 139 economies in the 2026 Global Innovation Index, up four positions from 2025, Dawn reported, citing the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The country also regained its “overperformer” designation, which recognises economies producing stronger innovation results than expected for their development level. Its rankings improved in both innovation inputs, at 121st, and outputs, at 72nd.

WIPO said Pakistan’s relative strengths included mobile app creation, exports of ICT services, high-tech imports and software spending, alongside scientific output and university quality. Pakistan ranked 15th among 36 lower middle-income economies and eighth among 11 in central and southern Asia, but did not feature among the leading economies in any individual innovation pillar. The report also noted that around three-quarters of global innovation indicators remained below their decade average, despite advances in areas including research output and technology adoption.