Lebanon ranks 90th in global innovation

Lebanon has been ranked 90th out of 139 countries in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The ranking highlights both the country’s pockets of strength and persistent structural weaknesses.

Among lower middle-income economies, Lebanon ranks 10th, while in the Northern Africa & Western Asia region, it comes 16th out of 18, WIPO’s report shows.

The WIPO report shows Lebanon struggling on innovation inputs, ranking 100th, reflecting limited infrastructure, weak institutions, and resource constraints. Yet, its output rank is higher at 83rd, indicating that Lebanese researchers and innovators are managing to deliver results despite the challenges.

Where Lebanon excels

Lebanon performs well in areas related to knowledge and human capital, according to WIPO:

- Market Sophistication: 42nd

- Knowledge & Technology Outputs: 59th

- Human Capital & Research: 63rd

- Business Sophistication: 71st

Notably, the country tops the world in scientific and technical articles per billion PPP$ GDP and ranks 18th for graduates in science and engineering.

Critical weaknesses

Institutional and systemic issues hold Lebanon back:

- Institutions: 133rd

- Infrastructure: 120th

- Creative Outputs: 102nd

Other worrying indicators include government effectiveness (137th), business operational stability (138th), and public research-industry collaboration (138th).

A call for reform

Experts say Lebanon’s strengths in education and research could drive innovation growth, but only if institutions are strengthened, infrastructure improved, and stronger links are built between universities and industry.

“The potential is there,” the report notes, “but translating research into marketable innovation remains a major challenge.”

Lebanon’s 2025 GII ranking paints a picture of resilience in the face of adversity. While researchers and innovators are producing impressive outputs, structural reforms are critical if the country is to climb the innovation ladder.