Iraq ranks 145th globally in innovation for 2025

(dinaropinions.com) Baghdad Iraq is placed 13th among Arab nations and 145th overall in the 2025 Innovation Index by Ceoworld magazine. The study rates nations according on a number of innovation-related criteria, including R&D spending and patent filings. Despite being an indication of advancement, this ranking emphasizes Iraq’s difficulties in promoting innovation in comparison to regional and international leaders.

Index of global innovation

Numerous criteria, such as the quantity of patent applications, high-tech manufacturing capabilities, and government expenditures on research and development (R&D), are used by the Ceoworld Innovation Index to rank nations. With a score of 97.81 out of 100, Singapore tops the list internationally for 2025. Taiwan, South Korea, and Switzerland are next. Yemen, on the other hand, came in at number 196 on the worldwide ranking.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) took the top rank in the Arab world, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain following closely behind. These nations have established themselves as regional centers of innovation thanks to their continuous investments in technology, education, and cooperative research projects.

Iraq scores 57.4 points, placing it 13th among Arab nations despite its strategic location and plenty of natural resources. Iraq ranks well behind regional heavyweights like the United Arab Emirates (90.04 points) and Saudi Arabia (86.25 points), despite the fact that this indicates some push towards innovation. In terms of innovation, Iraq has likewise lagged behind its neighbors, including Jordan, Oman, and Tunisia.

Obstacles to Iraq’s Innovation Development

Iraq is ranked low because to persistent issues such as political unpredictability, little investment in research and development, and a dearth of jobs requiring knowledge-based skills. A country’s innovation score is influenced by a variety of important factors, including the quantity of patents filed, the growth of regional industries, and university-industry cooperation. Iraq must emphasize technical progress, solve these issues, and boost spending for research and education if it is to enhance its reputation.

The study emphasizes the need for more development and reforms, despite the fact that Iraq has achieved considerable progress. Iraq may put itself in a successful position going forward by emphasizing research and development, improving industry-university cooperation, and developing a knowledge-based economy. In addition to being economically necessary, more investment in innovation is also essential for guaranteeing Iraq’s long-term progress.