Jamaica has moved up nine places in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2020 ranking to hold the 72nd position across the upper-middle-income countries as it relates to innovative capabilities.
The report, which is now in its 13th edition, noted that Jamaica’s ranking has moved from 81st to 72nd in 2020, ranking seventh among the eighteen economies in Latin American and the Caribbean, and performing above average in three out of the seven GII pillars: institutions, business sophistication and creative output.
Switzerland is ranked as the world’s most innovative economy, followed by Sweden, the US, the UK and the Netherlands, according to the GII 2020.
The Global Innovation Index (GII) is co-published by Cornell University, European Institute of Business Administration (INSEAD), and the World Intellectual Property Organisation.
It provides detailed metrics about the innovation performance of 131 countries and economies around the world. Its 80 indicators explore a broad vision of innovation, including political environment, education, infrastructure and business sophistication.
State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr Norman Dunn, who was addressing staff of the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) at their Trafalgar Road office on Monday, October 12, lauded Jamaica’s upward movement and took the opportunity to commend the work of the agency.
“I must commend you on the tremendous work that you have been doing over the years in pushing Intellectual Property, and protecting the work of our innovators and inventors in Jamaica."
“We see JIPO as a piece of the puzzle in the governance structure of the country, particularly, in relation to the treaties that you sign, the innovations that you might have, and the intellectual capacity that we have that needs to be highlighted and protected. You are like the unsung hero,” Dunn said.
He urged Jamaicans to look at what the country already has that is appreciated externally, and build on its strengths.
At the same time, he encouraged the JIPO staff to continue to look beyond traditional music and sports, to fresh ideas that can lead to income-generating opportunities.
“The everyday man needs to understand that his ideas are not foolish. We need to empower them with confidence and opportunities. This can only benefit Jamaica,” he underscored.
Meanwhile, Executive Director, Jamaica Intellectual Property Office, Lilyclaire Bellamy, said that “this move is a significant achievement for the Government and people of Jamaica, and signals the recognition by the Government of Jamaica of the importance of providing support to areas such as Research and Development (R&D). The government has invested in these areas which has facilitated the upward movement”.
“We encourage all our innovators and creatives to utilize the registration system offered at the JIPO, avail themselves of the wealth of information, and utilize the services of the Intellectual Property Office,” Bellamy added.
Source: https://www.loopjamaica.com/content/jamaica-moves-9-places-global-innovative-index-0