The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster continues to rank first in the Global Innovation Index (GII) cluster study for the second consecutive year, according to the latest report released by the World Intellectual Property Organization on September 8.
The GII cluster ranking was established in 2017. It identifies concentrations of world-class innovation based on three core indicators: PCT international patent applications, scientific publications and venture capital deals.
Over the most recent five-year period, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster recorded 120,095 PCT applications and 215,866 scientific articles. It also attracted 7,325 venture capital deals, securing its top spot among the World's Top 100 Innovation Clusters.
Shenzhen maintained strong patent momentum. By the end of 2025, cumulative patent grants exceeded 2.35 million, representing 31.45 percent of Guangdong's total. Invention patent grants stood at 507,000, accounting for 45.69 percent of the province's total.
Guangzhou also showed strong performance in patent activities. In the first half of 2026, the city filed 791 PCT applications, up 4.9 percent year-on-year, outpacing the national and provincial averages.
By the end of 2025, Guangzhou held 205,900 valid invention patents, which is equivalent to 108.5 per 10,000 residents—70.2 more than the national average. High-value invention patents reached 83,400, a 15.7 percent increase.
In terms of scientific output, Sun Yat-sen University and South China University of Technology ranked first and second among institutions in the cluster. Together, they contributed about one-quarter of total publications.
Reporter | Chen Jinxia
Photo | Nanfang Plus
