China's number of top 100 global science and technology innovation clusters continues to lead the world this year, according to a report of the World Intellectual Property Organization.

The 2024 edition of the WIPO's Global Innovation Index released on Monday showed that China had 26 of the top 100 global science and technology innovation clusters, surpassing last year's 24. The United States closely followed with 20, it said, adding that Germany had eight, and India and South Korea each four.

Seven of the top 10 science and technology innovation clusters globally are in Asia, with the rest in the US, it said.

The dynamics of the top 100 science and technology innovation clusters indicate strong growth in innovation from middle-income economies, especially in China, the WIPO said.

WIPO Director General Daren Tang said that science and technology innovation clusters serve as the foundation of a country's innovation ecosystem. The clusters are not only thriving in developed countries but are also gradually emerging in developing economies. He said that WIPO will continue to support these clusters, helping them leverage intellectual property to translate research outcomes into practical solutions.

Each year, the index ranks countries and economies around the world, quantifying the spatial concentration of technological innovation activities.