1. Finland, Northern Europe
Despite the fact that Finland was exposed to industrialization only in the 1050’s it has risen as one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. Internationally renowned for its high-technology and health care, Finland researchers are leading contributors in the fields of forest improvement, new materials, environment, neutral networks, low-temperature physics, brain research, biotechnology, genetic technology and communications.
2. USA
The USA has been on the forefront of technological advancement since the 19th century. The first workable movie camera, first long-lasting light bulb, AC motor, radio, sustained flight of an object in air has been pioneered in the USA. It is also launched the Atomic Age. Advances in space technology have made USA a superpower. It also leads the world in scientific research papers and 50% of the households have broadband internet access.
3. Japan, Asia
Japan is the world leader in fundamental scientific research; its researchers have made outstanding contributions in the fields of electronics, automobiles, machinery, earthquake engineering, industrial robotics, optics, semi-conductors and metals. It leads the world in robotics production and use. Japan has produced thirteen Nobel laureates; its researchers share a $ 130 billion research budget. This highly developed nation is a pioneer in launching new models and products in the industry.
4. Sweden, Northern Europe
This small country has one of the highest standards of living in the world and is renowned for its top-quality scientific and technological development. Sweden apportions 4% of its GDP to R&D, one of the very few countries to do so. Its commitment to R&D has made the Swedes leaders in innovation. Sweden particularly leads in the pharmaceutical and telecommunications segment. It also publishes one of the highest number of scientific papers in the world related to medical science, natural science and engineering.
5. Republic of Korea, East Asia
This country has made great technological advancements in the fields of electronics, automobiles, ships, machinery, petrochemicals and robotics. Their GDP is driven by exporting products manufactured from this sector. Korea has also successfully developed the world’s second walking human robot-HUBO. It has also made breakthroughs in biotechnology by successfully cloning a dog and recently cloning an endangered species of wolves.
6. Netherlands, Northwest Europe
Netherlands has been frontrunners in inventions. It has inventions such as artificial kidney, compact disc, microscope, pendulum clock, telescope are Dutch inventions. There have been great advances in engineering, aerospace, military technology. It is ranked 10th in the Global Competitiveness Index leading 123 countries.
7. UK
The United Kingdom was the world’s first industrialized country and it has exerted strong scientific and technological influence over the world. The United Kingdom has seen many firsts-discovery of hydrogen, invention of locomotive engine, jet engine, World Wide Web, incandescent light-bulb; world’s first working television, electric motor, commercial electrical telegraph etc have been produced from here. It also has taken its progress to its military, housing the most technologically advanced armed forces in the world.
8. Singapore, Southeast Asia
Singapore is the fourth wealthiest country in the world. Singapore houses technological institutes to provide its citizens resources to equip themselves to further technological advancement. The Agency for Science, Technology and Research ( A*STAR) is a dedicated government agency to encourage research and development. The medical, food science, clinical research advancements are notable throughout the world. Singapore also has the most technologically advanced armies in Southeast Asia.
9. Canada, North America
One of the most diverse economies in the world, Canada’s highly developed research and technology sector is supported by the government’s allocation of 1.8% of the GDP to R&D. Canada is also ranked third among countries in space sciences. It ranks twelfth in the world for internet usage with around 85% of the population using the internet. It has also produced eighteen Nobel laureates in the field of physics, chemistry and medicine.
10. Australia
The Australian government is committed to promote science and technology in Australia. It has also opened dedicated technology centers such as the Australian Technological Park in Sydney which is a scientific and research hub as well as an entertainment centre for kids. Key focus areas of R&D are information and communications, biotechnology, manufacturing, mining and the food industry. This has put Australia in the forefront of the technological race among big players.