The Top 100 Global Innovators methodology
How we measure global innovation
Precision in practice:
How we benchmark for global innovation
The Top 100 Global Innovators methodology prioritizes invention quality and impact over sheer volume. By leveraging empirical data and rigorous statistical analysis, we ensure accuracy, integrity and global perspective. In 2026, this rigor matters more than ever. As artificial intelligence accelerates innovation cycles and reshapes R&D, our framework provides a stable benchmark that identifies leaders who design for disruption, rather than just react to it.
Signals of scale:
The requirements for innovation leadership
To qualify for consideration as a Top 100 Innovator, organizations must demonstrate sustained inventive activity: at least 500 published inventions since 2000 and 100 granted inventions within the five-year evaluation window. This rigorous threshold identifies approximately 3,000 organizations that contribute significantly to the global innovation ecosystem and operate at scale in an era of accelerated change.
Annually, the program refreshes a rolling 5-year window of innovation performance from global invention data.
For 2026, this window includes inventions first published between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024.
From invention strength
to Top 100 Global Innovator
Every invention is scored against a global benchmark, not in isolation. We calculate each factor — influence, investment, success and rarity — across the entire database of patented technology, which evolves daily.
Scores are assigned based on how each invention compares to the global distribution and are then combined into a single aggregated score; the Derwent Strength Index. This creates a clear, universal measure of inventive strength, forming the foundation for identifying Top 100 Global Innovators.
Invention strength
We calculate the median invention strength for each qualifying organization within the five year evaluation window.
Measuring international reach
Qualifiers for Top 100 status are assessed based on their patent protection strategies.
Within the evaluation window, we calculate a multiplier that combines the scale and ratio of each qualifying organization’s activity, as two-authority granted patents.
This ensures that candidate organizations are rewarded for their global innovation footprint.
Identifying the innovation leaders
To produce the final ranking, we combine the international factor with the median-scoring invention strength of each organization’s inventions within the evaluation window.
This generates the final Global Innovator Score, which is ranked and sorted to determine the Top 100 Global Innovators of 2026.
Finding clarity:
Turning insight into action
The Top 100 Global Innovators is powered by the Derwent World Patents Index (DWPI). With human-authored invention summaries — over 69m distinct invention families and inventions indexed by technology — DWPI is a comprehensive library of the world’s invention activity. Enhanced by expert classification and artificial intelligence, DWPI delivers unparalleled accuracy and simplicity, delivering the clarity needed to measure innovation.
But insight is only the beginning. Clarivate solutions help you act on it:
Looking for deeper insight?
Explore these resources for sector-specific trends and strategic signals. From geo-innovation analysis to industry deep dives, these resources help you benchmark performance, anticipate disruption and inform strategic decisions with confidence. Our subscription and technology-based solutions are coupled with deep domain expertise and are trusted by over 45,000 customers around the world.
Turn insight into action:
Connect with our experts or download the full report
Speak to a member of our team to understand how patent intelligence can strengthen innovation strategy, benchmark R&D outcomes and uncover market opportunities.
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