The World’s Top 50 Science and Technology Hubs
East Asia Dominates the Global Innovation Landscape
In 2023, the world witnessed a surge of groundbreaking advancements in science and technology (S&T), ranging from medical breakthroughs to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. The Global Innovation Index 2023 has identified the top 50 S&T hubs worldwide, based on their combined share of international patent applications and scientific publications. This article explores these hubs, shedding light on their dominance and the key players driving innovation in each region.
East Asia Dominance in S&T:
The Global Innovation Index reveals that the world’s five most significant science and technology hubs are located in East Asia. Topping the list is the Tokyo-Yokohama cluster, which accounted for over 10% of all patent applications between 2018 and 2022. East Asian cities dominate the rankings, showcasing their prowess in technological innovation.
Tokyo-Yokohama: The Tokyo-Yokohama cluster, located in Japan, leads the pack with an impressive number of patent applications and scientific publications. With 127,418 patent applications and 115,020 scientific publications, this hub is at the forefront of cutting-edge research and development.
Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou: The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster, spanning China and Hong Kong, follows closely behind Tokyo-Yokohama. With 113,482 patent applications and 153,180 scientific publications, this region is a powerhouse in technological advancements.
Seoul: South Korea’s capital, Seoul, secures its position as a top science and technology hub. With 63,447 patent applications and 133,604 scientific publications, Seoul’s innovative ecosystem continues to thrive.
Beijing: China’s capital, Beijing, stands out as a major contributor to global S&T advancements. With 38,067 patent applications and 279,485 scientific publications, Beijing showcases its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Shanghai-Suzhou: Another Chinese hub, the Shanghai-Suzhou cluster, rounds out the top five. With 32,924 patent applications and 162,635 scientific publications, this region is a hotbed of technological breakthroughs.
The Rise of the San Francisco Bay Area:
While East Asia dominates the global innovation landscape, the San Francisco Bay Area in the United States emerges as a prominent player. Home to major tech giants such as Adobe, eBay, Google, and PayPal, this region showcases its technological prowess. With 47,269 patent applications and 58,575 scientific publications, the San Francisco Bay Area continues to foster groundbreaking innovation.
China’s Ascendancy:
For the first time, China surpasses other countries in terms of the number of clusters among the top 100. With a total of 24 clusters, China leads the pack, followed closely by the United States with 21 clusters and Germany with nine. China’s rise in the rankings is evident, with almost every Chinese cluster improving its position compared to the previous year.
Middle-Income Economy Clusters:
While China dominates the middle-income economy clusters, several other regions outside East Asia make their mark. São Paulo in Brazil, Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai in India, Tehran in Iran, Istanbul and Ankara in Turkey, and Moscow in Russia showcase their potential as emerging S&T hubs.
Global Research and Development Expenditure:
According to the Global Innovation Index, the United States leads in research and development (R&D) expenditure, followed by China, Japan, Germany, and South Korea. These countries invest heavily in R&D to drive innovation and maintain their positions as global leaders in S&T.
Conclusion:
The Global Innovation Index 2023 sheds light on the world’s top 50 science and technology hubs, with East Asia emerging as the dominant force in global innovation. With Tokyo-Yokohama leading the pack, these hubs drive groundbreaking advancements through their patent applications and scientific publications. While the San Francisco Bay Area stands out as a major player outside of East Asia, China’s ascendancy in the rankings is undeniable. As countries continue to invest in research and development, the global S&T landscape is set to witness even more remarkable breakthroughs in the years to come.