Shanghai-Suzhou S&T cluster ranks 5th globally in innovation

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has recently released its Global Innovation Index (GII), with the Shanghai-Suzhou science and technology (S&T) cluster securing the fifth position globally for the second consecutive year.

The GII is a renowned benchmark for evaluating worldwide innovation and intellectual property levels. Introduced in 2017, this assessment of S&T clusters involves analyzing patent applications and published scientific papers to gauge the innovation potential of cities across the globe.

Suzhou's rapid progress in recent years is underscored by its expeditious climb in the global rankings. Initially ranked 72nd in 2020, the city improved its position to 63rd by 2021. The significant leap occurred after it merged with Shanghai in 2022, creating a unified S&T cluster, which propelled it to the 6th position. By 2023, Suzhou had advanced to the fifth spot, a position it maintained into 2024. This trajectory has made Suzhou one of the fastest-rising cities in China over the past five years.

Suzhou's success can be attributed to its strong support for innovation. The city was among the first cities in China to establish an angel fund of funds, and it now hosts nearly 3,000 registered private equity funds.

Suzhou offers a rich ecosystem for innovation, with 31 universities, research institutions, and partnerships with over 200 prestigious institutions worldwide, including Oxford, the National University of Singapore, Tsinghua University, and Peking University.

In addition, Suzhou is home to a wide range of enterprises across multiple industries, offering ample opportunities for application scenarios. The city's commitment to creating a top-tier environment for talent development further solidifies its position as a global innovation hub.