BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand has moved up one place to 44th among 139 economies in the 2026 Global Innovation Index (GII), according to the National Innovation Agency (NIA). The country ranks third among 35 upper-middle-income economies, 10th among 17 economies in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania, and fourth in ASEAN. The index, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization, evaluates innovation performance using 79 indicators that cover inputs and outputs.
NIA Executive Director Krithpaka Boonfueng reported that Thailand’s Innovation Input ranking remained 46th, while Innovation Output rose two places to 41st. Market sophistication stayed at 27th, and business sophistication improved from 42nd to 41st. Knowledge and Technology Outputs climbed from 44th to 38th, supported by improvements in Knowledge Creation and Knowledge Impact. Creative outputs, however, fell from 39th to 44th, while institutions declined from 76th to 80th.
NIA plans to develop Thailand’s innovation system by helping entrepreneurs gain access to testing facilities, investment, and international markets, while supporting technology sectors with global demand. Through NIA Venture, the agency is expanding from a funding role to co-investment through corporate co-funding, PE trust, and holding company models, covering agriculture and food, health and well-being, the circular economy, artificial intelligence, and the creative economy.
The agency is also promoting the Thai Innovation List to expand government procurement of certified innovative products and services, giving businesses opportunities to secure initial customers, generate revenue, and demonstrate real-world applications. NIA will also connect entrepreneurs with venture capital, corporate investors, and international partners to support commercialization and wider market expansion. (NNT)
