Mapped: The Top 50 Global Science and Technology Clusters
In a fast-changing tech world, innovation moves quickly. The Global Innovation Index 2024 ranks the top 50 clusters by counting international patent filings and scientific works. This mapping shows where science and technology grow close to each other.
The Dominance of Asia in S&T Clusters
The report shows Asia holds almost half of the top clusters. Out of 50, 24 clusters sit in Asia and 15 are in China. The Tokyo–Yokohama area leads with 134,769 patents and 117,294 publications.
Key Asian Clusters:
- Tokyo–Yokohama, Japan: 134,769 patents, 117,294 publications
- Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou, China/Hong Kong: 116,411 patents, 175,364 publications
- Beijing, China: 42,490 patents, 308,561 publications
- Seoul, South Korea: 67,082 patents, 140,385 publications
- Shanghai–Suzhou, China: 38,699 patents, 191,074 publications
Beijing shines in research, with over 300,000 works, showing its growing part in global science.
United States: A Strong Contender
The United States ranks second by cluster count with 11 clusters listed. The San Jose–San Francisco area leads in the nation and stands as the second most active region in the world. This area puts out many patents and scientific works each year.
Highlighted U.S. Clusters:
- San Jose–San Francisco, CA: 49,299 patents, 57,589 publications
- Boston–Cambridge, MA: 18,973 patents, 76,250 publications
- San Diego, CA: 24,555 patents, 20,292 publications
- New York City, NY: 13,945 patents, 75,727 publications
Google tops the patent count in the San Jose–San Francisco region. The close bond between tech firms and universities like Stanford keeps research alive in this cluster.
European Innovation Hubs
In Europe, Paris leads as an innovation hub. Cities such as London and Munich follow. Germany shows a strong presence with five clusters in the top 50. ### Prominent European Clusters:
- Paris, France: 15,648 patents, 61,985 publications
- London, UK: 6,558 patents, 58,419 publications
- Munich, Germany: 10,697 patents, 27,205 publications
These cities invest in science and tech and build a solid network of ideas.
Conclusion
The clusters form a lively scene of science and technology. Asia leads with high numbers in patents and research. The United States and Europe keep their own strong spaces in tech. Advances in these clusters boost local work and shape global tech moves. In this fast-paced era, watching these clusters helps us see how science and technology grow.