China News Service, Chengdu, June 12 (Wang Liwen and Sun Zifa) The second "Belt and Road" Science and Technology Exchange Conference closed in Chengdu on the 12th. According to reports, the third "Belt and Road" Science and Technology Exchange Conference will be held in Chongqing.

On June 12, Chengdu, Sichuan, the closing ceremony of the Second Belt and Road Science and Technology Exchange Conference. Photo by reporter Liu Zhongjun

As one of the important achievements released by the conference, the China Institute of Science and Technology Development Strategy released the "National Innovation Index Report 2024" (English version) at the closing ceremony. The report selected 40 countries with a total R&D funding accounted for 95% of the world and a large proportion of economic and population as evaluation targets to reflect the overall situation of world innovation and innovation development pattern.

On June 12, Chengdu, Sichuan, the closing ceremony of the Second Belt and Road Science and Technology Exchange Conference. Photo by reporter Liu Zhongjun

The report shows that the innovation pattern of these 40 countries is relatively stable divided into three groups. The First Group has a high concentration of scientific and technological innovation resources, with a population accounting for 27.8% of the world, a GDP accounting for 63.4% and R&D expenditure accounting for 84.5%. The United States, Switzerland, South Korea, Sweden and Denmark ranked in the top five in the world in terms of national innovation index.

The report points out that global innovation and development are in a three-legged state in terms of regional distribution. At present, the global science and technology innovation centers are moving eastwards significantly, Asian countries have risen in the innovation territory, the share of R&D funds and personnel, papers and invention patents has increased significantly, and the share of North America and Europe has declined. China's national innovation index world comprehensive rose from 2012 to 10th in 2024, with a score of close to European countries with per capita GDP of around US$50,000.

The report pointed out that 19 countries jointly built the "Belt and Road" have been included in the report evaluation scope, and their scientific and technological innovation and development have their own characteristics. Among these countries, Singapore and other countries firmly ranked first in the group; nine countries including Austria and Italy firmly ranked second in the group; eight countries including Slovenia, Turkey and BRICS countries Russia, South Africa, and Brazil are in the group third in the group. (over)