Why Are Some Countries and Firms Consistently More Innovative Than Others?

Lessons from the World's Innovation Leaders

Executive Summary

Why do some countries and companies consistently outperform others in innovation? This article explores the systems, choices, and cultural factors that shape global innovation success — and why the gap between leaders and laggards is widening.

Drawing on global comparisons and real-world case studies, it examines:

• The organisational traits and leadership behaviours that foster innovation in firms

• National-level enablers such as education, infrastructure, policy, and risk culture

• Country profiles including the US, UK, China, India, and the dynamics of talent migration

• Company-level lessons from Apple, Microsoft, Nokia, and others

• Unexpected innovation from crisis environments, such as Ukraine