Published on: 2026-09-08
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 8, 2026 Economic Development
Shenzhen/Hong Kong/Guangzhou, Tokyo/Yokohama, San Jose/San Francisco, as well as Seoul and Beijing are the five largest innovation clusters in the world. This is evidenced by the latest data presented by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) based on an analysis of international patent applications, scientific publications, and venture capital deals.
The Global Innovation Index initiative identifies cities and regions where universities, research centers, and invention bureaus are concentrated. It helps policymakers and business leaders create conditions conducive to breakthrough ideas.
China (25 clusters) and the United States (20 clusters) together host nearly half of the world’s top 100 largest innovation clusters. Germany follows with seven clusters, the largest of which is Munich (ranked 28th). India and the United Kingdom each have four clusters, with Bangalore (ranked 24th) and London (ranked 8th) as their leaders, respectively.
Top ten innovation clusters
1. Shenzhen/Hong Kong/Guangzhou
2. Tokyo/Yokohama
3. San Jose/San Francisco
4. Seoul
5. Beijing
6. Shanghai/Suzhou
7. New York
8. London
9. Boston/Cambridge
10. Paris
Recent data indicate the expansion of innovation geography worldwide. In addition to China and India, six other middle-income countries have clusters that made it into the top 100 global ranking: Brazil (São Paulo), Egypt (Cairo), the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Mexico (Mexico City), and Turkey (Istanbul). Cairo (86th place) is the only African cluster in the top 100.
The Tel Aviv/Jerusalem cluster ranks 19th on the list. Of all the post-Soviet countries, only Russia made it into the top 100: Moscow is in 50th place.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It represents an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.