Each year, the index assesses over 200 economies across seven weighted metrics.

R&D Intensity
Annual research and development spending, as a % of an economy’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Patent Activity
The number of annual patent and grant filings, and the 3-year average growth of filings abroad and filings growth, as a share of the world’s total patent growth.

Tertiary Efficiency
The total enrollment in higher education, the share of labor force with advanced education levels, and the share of STEM graduates and in the labor force.

Manufacturing Value-added
Manufacturing output levels—contributing to exports—as a % of GDP, and per capita.

Productivity
GDP and gross national income (GNI) in the working age population, and the 3-year improvement.

High-tech Density
The volume of domestic, high-tech public companies as a share of the world’s total companies. Examples of high-tech companies include: aerospace and defense, biotech, internet services, and renewable energy.

Researcher Concentration
Professionals (including postgraduate PhD students) engaged in R&D across the population.