Barbados proudly announces its return to the Global Innovation Index (GII) after an eight-year absence, achieving the 77th position globally. This remarkable accomplishment positions Barbados as the #1 innovator in CARICOM and #9 in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting its leadership in fostering a culture of innovation.

During the launch of the 2024 GII, the Honourable Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “For the first time in eight years, Barbados is included in this important index which serves to identify the progress countries have made in creating a culture of innovation; highlights the levers that must be pulled to further transform; and allows us to measure what matters.”

Export Barbados was instrumental in this achievement, working closely with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to address data gaps and ensure Barbados met the necessary criteria for GII inclusion. Their dedication to expanding innovation within the productive sectors aims to achieve the national target of US$1 billion in exports by 2030.

Prime Minister Mottley emphasized Barbados’ strategic focus on transitioning into Industry 5.0, integrating robotics, artificial intelligence, and automation into the productive process. She remarked, “In Barbados, we are committed to building the kind of education, business, and investment ecosystem that will make the small size of our land space almost irrelevant. As we invest in our people, our potential for transformative growth becomes endless.”

Sustainability remains a core focus, with the Prime Minister stating, “We aim to be a hub for inventors, for thinkers, even for dreamers, who want to create and research interventions that support the global good AND global public goods such as health and climate.”

Barbados’ re-entry into the GII is a testament to its resilience and adaptability in the face of global challenges. The nation is committed to leveraging intellectual property, crafting enabling tax and policy frameworks, and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.

The GII serves as an invaluable tool to assess and enhance Barbados’ progress on its journey towards innovation and sustainable growth. The Prime Minister concluded, “It is only through this mix of intentional policies, secure financing, and multi-stakeholder partnership that we stand a chance of not just surviving—but thriving.”