The Global Innovation Index is an annual report that measures the openness and readiness of countries’ economies for innovation. The report is compiled by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) a UN agency, Cornell University, and INSEAD business school. The index scores 128 countries’ institutions, human capital and research, infrastructure, market sophistication, business sophistication, knowledge and technology outputs and creative outputs.

Of all MENA countries, UAE scored the highest on the innovation index, coming 41st place globally. Turkey followed in 42nd place and Saudi at 59. Last on the list were Egypt, Algeria and Yemen, coming in 107, 113, and 128 respectively. Yemen was ranked at the bottom of all 128 countries. Only 15 countries in MENA were analyzed.

Switzerland topped the 2016 innovation ranking, followed by Sweden, UK, US and Finland.