Tunisia has made notable progress in the Global Innovation Index for 2026, climbing five ranks to secure the 71st position out of 139 economies. This improvement is a reflection of the country's robust human and scientific capital. According to Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mondher Belaid, Tunisia excelled in innovation outputs, ranking 56th, while it ranked 92nd in innovation inputs.
The country's scientific prowess is highlighted by its ranking of first globally in the number of graduates in sciences and engineering. Additionally, Tunisia secured the 12th position in scientific production and 45th in human capital and research. These rankings are based on data from the Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organization.
On the African continent, Tunisia holds the fourth position, following Mauritius, South Africa, and Morocco. The country surpasses several African economies, including Egypt, Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, and Senegal, in innovation. This progress underscores Tunisia's potential for harnessing its scientific capabilities for economic growth.
Despite these advancements, the results also reveal challenges, particularly in converting scientific potential into economic outcomes. Tunisia ranked 124th in business environment and 112th in innovation linkages. This highlights the need for stronger private sector involvement in research and development, as well as closer ties between universities, research centers, and economic institutions.
Minister Belaid emphasized the importance of transitioning from producing scientific knowledge to valorizing and investing in research economically. This involves enhancing technology transfer, converting research outputs into innovative products and services, and improving the ability of institutions to absorb and utilize innovations.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Higher Education is focusing on developing mechanisms to valorize scientific research, promote technology transfer, and support innovative initiatives. The goal is to bridge the gap between research and economic applications, fostering a culture of innovation that benefits both the economy and society.
The vision for the future involves directing investments towards developing scientific and technological infrastructure, enhancing the capabilities of research institutions, and encouraging economic institutions to invest in research and development. This strategic approach aims to improve the returns on scientific research and expand its contribution to economic sector development and competitiveness.
Key points
- Tunisia ranks 71st in the 2026 Global Innovation Index.
- The country excels in innovation outputs, ranking 56th globally.
- Tunisia needs to enhance its business environment and innovation linkages to convert scientific potential into economic outcomes.
Reporting sources
- Radio Tunisie Culture · Radio Tunisie Culture
