According to the World Intellectual Property Organization's 2026 Global Innovation Index, Tunisia ranks 71st out of 139 economies, with a confidence interval of 65th to 77th place. The country's profile reveals a strong scientific foundation, with a notable ranking of 56th in innovation outcomes, despite being 92nd in innovation inputs. This suggests that Tunisia has a solid base for innovation, but there is room for improvement in translating these inputs into tangible results.
Tunisia's scientific prowess is evident in its high percentage of university graduates in scientific and engineering fields. In 2023, 37.9% of higher education graduates were in these fields, making it the highest global proportion. Furthermore, in 2025, Tunisia ranked 12th in scientific articles published per GDP, demonstrating a strong research output. However, the Institute for the Analysis of Current Economic Issues (IACE) notes that this indicator measures composition rather than volume or quality.
Despite these achievements, there are concerns about the country's research capacity. The density of researchers in Tunisia has decreased by 15.3% since 2016, which could potentially hinder the country's ability to sustain its scientific momentum. The IACE's strategic note "From Science to Value" highlights the need for Tunisia to strengthen its research and innovation ecosystem to translate its scientific knowledge into economic value.
The IACE's analysis also reveals a significant gap between Tunisia's scientific capabilities and its ability to link with industry. The country ranks 134th out of 139 in this regard, indicating a need for improvement in collaborating with businesses and translating research into practical applications. This disparity between scientific knowledge and industry linkage is a concern that policymakers and stakeholders will need to address.
The report's findings have implications for Tunisia's economic development and its goal of becoming a knowledge-based economy. To bridge the gap between science and industry, the country will need to implement policies and strategies that foster collaboration between researchers, businesses, and policymakers. This could involve initiatives such as funding research and development projects, promoting entrepreneurship, and providing support for start-ups.
The IACE's report is based on data from the World Intellectual Property Organization's Global Innovation Index, which provides a comprehensive framework for assessing innovation performance. The report's authors emphasize the need for a coordinated approach to address the challenges facing Tunisia's innovation ecosystem. By doing so, the country can unlock its full potential and become a leader in knowledge-based economic development.
The report's recommendations are expected to inform policy decisions and guide stakeholders in their efforts to strengthen Tunisia's innovation ecosystem. By addressing the challenges identified in the report, the country can build on its strengths in scientific knowledge and improve its industry linkage, ultimately driving economic growth and development.
Key points
- Tunisia ranks 71st out of 139 economies in the Global Innovation Index.
- The country has a high percentage of university graduates in scientific and engineering fields.
- Tunisia lags in linking with industry, ranking 134th out of 139.
