nnovation worldwide has been analyzed and ranked in the 17th edition of the Global Innovation Index (GII), recently released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This comprehensive report sheds light on the progress nations have made and the obstacles they face in fostering innovation.

The Philippines has earned recognition as one of six countries whose rankings have improved the most over the past decade. Climbing from 90th place in 2013 to 53rd in 2024, the nation’s upward trajectory has been fueled by advancements in business sophistication, market efficiency, and knowledge creation. This progress reflects the Philippines’ growing capacity for innovation and highlights its potential for further growth.

Regional Comparisons: A Mixed Picture

Despite this commendable progress, the Philippines lags behind several of its Southeast Asian neighbors, many of whom have made significant investments in research and development, education, and innovation ecosystems. Malaysia (33rd), Thailand (41st), and Vietnam (44th) all outpace the Philippines in the GII rankings, while Singapore stands as a global leader at 4th, following Switzerland (1st), Sweden (2nd), and the United States (3rd).

Education: The Missing Link

A closer analysis of the GII data points to deficiencies in the Philippine education system as a major barrier to further innovation. The country ranks 114th out of 133 countries in the education component of the index. Indicators such as the pupil-to-teacher ratio (108th, or 25th from the bottom) and the number of scientific and technical articles published (125th, or 8th from the bottom) highlight systemic weaknesses.

For decades, Philippine educational institutions have struggled to deliver quality education, especially in science and technology. Chronic underfunding, outdated curricula, and limited access to resources in underserved areas have compounded these issues. National proficiency exams reveal persistent gaps in mathematics and science, and the country’s spending on education as a percentage of GDP remains below the global average. These challenges hinder the nation’s ability to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.

The Need for an Educational Overhaul

To address these shortcomings, the Marcos administration, in collaboration with Education Secretary Sonny Angara, must undertake a comprehensive reevaluation of the education system. Philippine graduates often struggle to match the academic and professional achievements of their global peers.

Take the University of Santo Tomas (UST) as an example. Founded in 1611, UST predates Harvard University by 25 years, yet the latter boasts 162 Nobel Prize winners among its alumni, researchers, and faculty, while UST has none. Comparisons with other institutions, such as the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina—also a former Spanish colony, (founded in 1821, and, with four Nobel laureates) and the University of Calcutta in India—a developing country like ours, (founded in 1857 with five Nobel laureates), further illustrate this gap. Even the National University of Singapore (founded in 1905) has a Nobel laureate among its faculty.

Given these disparities, Philippine institutions must aspire to meet global standards of excellence. Until they do, it may be time to reevaluate whether these institutions even deserve the title of “university,” given their substandard performance.

A Call to Action

While the Philippines’ rise in the GII rankings is an encouraging sign, it is also a stark reminder of the work that remains. Strengthening the education system—particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)—is essential to unlocking the country’s full innovative potential. Only through sustained investment, bold reforms, and a commitment to excellence can the Philippines secure a position as a global leader in innovation and ensure long-term economic growth and competitiveness.

This Holiday season, the best gift the Marcos administration can give the country is a vastly overhauled and improved education system. It will be a gift Filipinos will cherish for decades, maybe even for centuries.

Published 12/28/2024