This is Why The GCC Is Tailing Behind In The Innovation Race

Global innovation indexes rank countries based on various metrics like R&D investment, education, infrastructure, patent applications, scientific publications, high-tech exports, and business sophistication.

However, should we focus on input factors like R&D investment, education, and infrastructure or should we emphasize outcome indicators like patent applications, scientific publications, and high-tech exports? After all, the latter are quantitative, reliable, and reflect the result of months or even years of effort in an innovation-supporting environment.

As for business sophistication, it's a term open to interpretation. What does it really mean? By whose standards is it measured?

Let's then focus on the hard numbers – starting with patents.

In 2021, here's how the GCC nations ranked in terms of patent applications:

1. KSA: 3,979

2. UAE: 2,423

3. Qatar: 769

4. Oman: 546

5. Bahrain: 329

6. Kuwait: 0

When normalized to per 1M population, the ranking slightly shifts:

1. Qatar: 267

2. UAE: 245

3. KSA: 114

4. Bahrain: 193

5. Oman: 107

6. Kuwait: 0

Comparing this to worldwide patent applications, the top 10 countries are:

1. China: 1,585,663

2. USA: 591,473

3. Japan: 289,200

4. South Korea: 237,998

5. India: 61,573

6. Germany: 58,569

7. Canada: 37,155

8. Australia: 32,409

9. Russia: 30,977

10. Brazil: 24,232

Normalized to per 1M population, the list changes again:

1. South Korea: 4,642

2. Singapore: 2,494

3. Luxembourg: 2,481

4. Japan: 2,287

5. USA: 1,787

6. New Zealand: 1,421

7. Australia: 1,271

8. Israel: 1,110

9. China: 1,102

10. Canada: 984

Noticeably, none of the GCC nations appear in these top 10 lists.

So, what could be the underlying reasons? How can we collectively work towards closing this gap and fostering a more robust innovation ecosystem in the region?

Let's discuss this crucial topic. I look forward to your insights and suggestions.