Narayan AmmachchiChile and Brazil are the most innovative countries in Latin America, positioning them well for future growth, according to the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Chile ranks 51st globally, just ahead of Brazil at 52nd, highlighting the region’s emerging innovation hubs. Other Latin American countries performing well include Mexico, Uruguay, and Colombia.
Globally, the top three positions are occupied by Switzerland, Sweden, and the United States, followed by South Korea and Singapore.
The GII evaluates 139 economies using over 70 indicators covering institutions, human capital, infrastructure, and outputs such as knowledge, technology, and creative performance.
Chile excels in digital infrastructure, tertiary enrollment, and institutional stability, fostering private investment and collaboration between universities and businesses.
Brazil’s strengths lie in its scientific output and a growing, sophisticated entrepreneurial ecosystem. However, both nations face persistent gaps between inputs and outcomes, including the need to strengthen private investment in applied R&D and improve financing mechanisms to scale ventures.
Other Latin American rankings include Mexico (58th), Uruguay (68th), Colombia (71st), Costa Rica (72nd), Argentina (77th), Peru (80th), Panama (82nd), Dominican Republic (97th), El Salvador (98th), Paraguay (103rd), Bolivia (111th), Ecuador (113th), Honduras (119th), Guatemala (123rd), Nicaragua (130th), and Venezuela (136th).
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