Top 5 Most Innovative Economies in Asia

In this article, we will look into the top 5 most innovative economies in Asia. If you want to read our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the Top 20 Most Innovative Economies in Asia.

5. Malaysia

R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 0.95%

High Technology Exports (2021): $109 billion

Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.686

Insider Monkey Score: 2.2

Malaysia is ranked among the most innovative countries in Asia. In 2021, the country spent 0.95% of its GDP on R&D. The high technology exports of the country were $109 billion in 2021.

4. China

R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 2.4%

High Technology Exports (2021): $942 billion

Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.586

Insider Monkey Score: 1.7

China is ranked 4th on our list. The country spent 2.4% of its GDP on R&D in 2021. The high technology exports of China were reported to be $942 billion in 2021.

3. Singapore

R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2020): 2.1%

High Technology Exports (2020): $160 billion

Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.870

Insider Monkey Score: 1.0

Singapore is one of the most innovative countries in Asia. In 2020, the country spent 2.1% of its GDP on R&D. The high technology exports of the country were $160 billion in 2020.

2. Japan

R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 3.3%

High Technology Exports (2021): $117 billion

Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.619

Insider Monkey Score: 1.0

Japan ranks 2nd on our list. In 2021, the country spent 3.3% of its GDP on research and development. The high technology exports of the country were $117 billion in 2021.

1. South Korea

R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 4.9%

High Technology Exports (2020): $164 billion

Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.857

Insider Monkey Score: 0.5

South Korea tops our list of the most innovative economies in Asia. In 2021, the country spent 4.9% of its GDP on research and development. In 2020, the country reported high technology exports of $164 billion.

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