India Tops Major Economies in Intangible Investment Growth, Says WIPO Report

India has outpaced all major economies in intangible investment growth, according to a report by the World Intellectual Property Organization, cementing its reputation as one of the world's fastest-growing knowledge economies. Intangible investments — which include spending on research and development, software, intellectual property, branding, and workforce training — are increasingly seen as the primary drivers of long-run economic growth and productivity.

The WIPO finding, reported by Business Standard, reflects a structural shift in how India's economy is growing. Sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, fintech, and space technology have driven enormous increases in R&D and IP-related expenditure in recent years, even as manufacturing and physical-capital investment have also expanded.

For policymakers, the ranking validates a decade of efforts to build an innovation ecosystem — from the Startup India initiative and production-linked incentive schemes to patent reform and the expansion of science and technology institutions. It also bolsters India's claims to be a credible player in global high-technology supply chains.

The intangible investment metric matters because economies with high intangible capital tend to be more resilient, more productive, and better positioned to generate well-paying jobs over time. India's lead in growth terms, rather than absolute stock, suggests the momentum is accelerating.

For Indian businesses and workers, the practical implication is that skill-intensive, knowledge-driven work is becoming an ever-larger part of the economy — raising both the opportunities available and the premium on education and digital skills.