5 Most Innovative Economies in Europe

In this article, we will look into the 5 most innovative economies in Europe. If you want to read our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 12 Most Innovative Economies in Europe.

5. Austria

R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 3.25%

High Technology Exports (2021): $31.3 billion

Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.862

Insider Monkey Score: 1.8

Austria is placed 5th on our list of the most innovative economies in Europe. The country reported a DAI of 0.862 in 2016. In 2021, the country spent 3.25% of its GDP on R&D. The high technology exports of the country were $31.3 billion in 2021.

4. Switzerland

R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 3.36%

High Technology Exports (2021): $38.2 billion

Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.822

Insider Monkey Score: 1.8

Switzerland is one of the most innovative countries in Europe. According to the World Bank, it reported a DAI of 0.822 in 2016. In 2021, the country spent 3.36% of its GDP on research and development. The high technology exports of the country were $38.2 billion in 2021.

3. Netherlands

R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 2.30%

High Technology Exports (2021): $100.1 billion

Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.838

Insider Monkey Score: 1.7

The Netherlands is ranked 3rd on our list. The country spent 2.30% of its GDP on R&D in 2021. The high technology exports of the country were reported to be $100.1 billion in 2021.

2. Belgium

R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 3.42%

High Technology Exports (2021): $52.2 billion

Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.780

Insider Monkey Score: 1.4

Belgium is ranked 2nd on our list. The country spent a total of 3.42% of its GDP on research and development in 2021. The country reported high technology exports of $52.2 billion in 2021.

1. Germany

R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 3.14%

High Technology Exports (2021): $209.7 billion

Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.839

Insider Monkey Score: 0.9

Germany tops our list of the most innovative countries in Europe. The country spent 3.14% of its GDP on R&D in 2021. The high technology exports of the country were $209.7 billion in 2021.

You can also look at 15 Most Unfriendly Countries in Europe and Alcohol Consumption by Country: 25 Countries with the Highest Alcohol Consumption per Capita.