A summary of the ‘Top 100 Global Innovators 2024’ report

Innovation is difficult to quantify, yet its impact is undeniable. The Clarivate Top 100 Global Innovators™ 2024 report ranks the world’s most forward-thinking companies and institutions, measuring their technological impact and industry leadership

The proprietary ranking system focuses on:

• The quality and influence of patented inventions rather than sheer quantity.
• Long-term innovation strategies that shape global industries.
• Cross-industry contributions that go beyond niche specialisations.

This year’s report highlights shifting innovation dynamics, the emergence of new players, and the growing challenge of maintaining industry leadership in an era of technological disruption.

Methodology: How the Top 100 Global Innovators are ranked

Rather than a simple volume-based approach, Clarivate applies a multi-factor system to assess innovation strength:

Qualification criteria

To be considered, an organisation must have:

• Filed at least 500 inventions since 2000.
• Been granted at least 100 unique patents within the 2024 evaluation window.

Ranking factors

1. Invention Strength – A combination of:
   • Influence: How often an invention is referenced by subsequent innovations.
   • Success: The economic and technological impact of the innovation.
   • Investment: Financial and geographical commitment to protecting and developing inventions.
   • Rarity: The uniqueness of the technology within its sector.
2. International Factor – The extent to which an invention is protected across multiple jurisdictions.
3. Global Innovator Score – The final score, balancing technical excellence, economic potential, and international reach.

Top 100 Global Innovators 2024: The leading organisations

The 2024 ranking recognises the world’s most innovative organisations, spanning semiconductors, automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and industrial technology.

Top 10 most innovative companies

1. Samsung Electronics (South Korea) – Electronics & Computing Equipment
2. Canon (Japan) – Electronics & Computing Equipment
3. Honda (Japan) – Automotive
4. Toyota (Japan) – Automotive
5. Seiko Epson (Japan) – Electronics & Computing Equipment
6. LG Chem (South Korea) – Chemicals & Materials
7. Huawei (China) – Telecommunications
8. FujiFilm (Japan) – Electronics & Computing Equipment
9. Fanuc (Japan) – Industrial Systems
10. RTX (Raytheon Technologies) (USA) – Aerospace & Defence

Notable trends in the rankings

• Japan dominates, with 38 companies in the Top 100—continuing its long-standing innovation leadership.
• The USA leads in tech-driven sectors, with firms like Qualcomm, GE, and Apple maintaining strong positions.
• China and South Korea are on the rise, with firms like Huawei, Tencent, and Samsung Electronics investing aggressively in R&D.
• Semiconductors, automotive, and industrial systems saw the highest concentration of innovative companies.

Breakdown by industry

• Electronics & Computing Equipment: 26 companies (Samsung, Sony, Canon, etc.)
• Semiconductors: 13 companies (TSMC, Intel, SK Hynix, etc.)
• Industrial Systems: 12 companies (Fanuc, Deere, ABB, etc.)
• Automotive: 10 companies (Toyota, Honda, General Motors, etc.)
• Chemicals & Materials: 8 companies (LG Chem, BASF, Shin-Etsu, etc.)
• Telecommunications: 3 companies (Huawei, Ericsson, Qualcomm)
• Pharmaceuticals: 2 companies (Roche, Johnson & Johnson)

Key insights from the 2024 report

1. The changing innovation landscape

   • The innovation ecosystem is becoming more fragmented, with smaller firms gaining influence.
   • The bar for inclusion is rising, meaning companies must show higher-quality innovation rather than just more patents.

2. The regional shift in innovation leadership

   • Asia-Pacific is gaining ground, with China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan collectively increasing their share.
   • European innovators remain strong, particularly in industrial, aerospace, and semiconductor sectors.
   • The US continues to lead in cutting-edge tech but faces increasing competition from Asian firms.

3. The future of global innovation

   • AI, automation, and advanced materials are reshaping industry landscapes.
   • Cross-industry collaboration is increasing, with tech firms influencing automotive, aerospace, and biotech.
   • Sustainability-focused R&D is now a key differentiator, especially in energy and materials.

The future of innovation leadership

The Top 100 Global Innovators 2024 list showcases the organisations shaping the future of technology, industry, and society. These companies prioritise research excellence, long-term investment, and global impact.

As competition intensifies, the challenge for incumbents and new entrants alike is to maintain an edge in an increasingly complex innovation landscape.