Innovation Index, how Albania compares to the region

Open Data Albania is conducting an assessment on indicators related to Innovation. The latter are part of the Global Innovation Index IIG assessment, developed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The index evaluates and ranks 132 countries, among them Albania, where the highest the country’s ranking, the poorest its innovation performance.

The Innovation Index measures and evaluates 81 indicators related to Institutions, Infrastructure, Human Capital and Research, Market sophistication, Business and Final products in Research, Technology or Creative processes. The data used for the Index evaluation were obtained from the World Bank Statistics, an institution where countries regularly report on the above mentioned indicators.

In 2011, Albania scored its best position yet, ranking in the 80th place out of 132 countries. This coincided with the positive impact of a few state programs and assistance in the country, as well as the Millennium Fund programs for the digitization of some public registers and the application of the standard One Stop Shop standard to the benefit of businesses.

From 2011 to 2015, Albania loses over 10 places in its ranking and the following decade is marked by oscillations. In 2021, Albania stands at 84th place, losing one place in comparison to the previous year. If we juxtaposition it with its neighbors and Western Balkans countries, our country has the poorest Index rating. Kosovo is not included in the Index. Despite several efforts by the Government to provide support and facilities for new businesses in Innovation and Information Technology, the results have not been found to have had an impact. Likewise, the results don’t seem to be noticeable even though the State Budget was used to support a few programs to increase the logistical infrastructure and capacity of the public administration innovation wise. Only in 2022, the Government will start investing in in ICT, with a dedicated Fund of 9.95 billion Lek predicted in this years’ Budget.

Source: WIPO, processe by the author
Comments and Analyses: Open Data Albania

Source: WIPO, processe by the author
Comments and Analyses: Open Data Albania

Import – Exports in Innovative Technology and related Products and Services, shows a country’s commitment and investment in strengthening the Sector. In terms of the Import – Exports for 2021, Albania is ranked in the lowest position, not as opposed to its neighbors in the region, but also on a global scale. These two indicators are assessed separately by WIPO and fall into the categories: business sophistication and Final products in Research and Technology.

In the latest report published, on the Global Innovation Index 2021, Albania ranks 130th out of 132 countries, in both indicators.

Source: WIPO, processe by the author
Comments and Analyses: Open Data Albania

Source: WIPO, processe by the author
Comments and Analyses: Open Data Albania

As shown in the chart above, Albania in terms of technology exports, ranks 130th, while Bosnia and Herzegovina ranks 51st, Montenegro 113th, Macedonia 50th and Serbia 64th. It looks like it will take years for the country to reach other countries of the region, as innovation is a sector that AFFECTS broadly the economy, services, business and all other sectors.

You can consult the ranking in the Innovation Index for European Countries, published and visualized in our Open Data Albania platform.

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Comments and Analysis: Open Data Albania
Contributed by: Gentjan Gegaj
Translated by: Rezarta Caushaj