Vietnam has, for the first time, topped the world in creative goods exports in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva on September 16.

Leading in creative goods exports placed Vietnam as a new highlight on the global innovation map, alongside its continued top positions in high-tech imports and exports.

The report also noted Vietnam’s increasingly stable and dynamic innovation environment.

The innovation input index climbed three places, from 53 to 50, thanks to improved institutions, market development and stronger business involvement in research and development. Although the output index slipped slightly from 36 to 37, Vietnam continued to demonstrate its ability to turn resources into tangible outcomes.

Within the region, Vietnam ranked third in ASEAN, behind Singapore and Malaysia but ahead of Thailand, and second among lower-middle-income economies, after India.

Vietnam and India also remained the longest-standing overperformers, performing above expectations for their level of development for the 15th year since 2011.

According to the report, Vietnam’s overall GII score rose to 37.1 in 2025 from 36.2 in 2024, maintaining its 44th position among 140 economies.