Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced on Wednesday that India has emerged as the fastest-growing major economy in intangible investments, citing the latest World Intangible Investment Report 2026 published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Luiss Business School. The report highlights India's increasing investments in software, research and development (R&D), intellectual property, and innovation-led capabilities.
Key Findings of the World Intangible Investment Report 2026
According to Goyal, India's intangible investment reached USD 78.2 billion in 2023, growing at 7.9%, which outpaced tangible investment growth. This growth was the fastest among the world's 15 largest economies. The report noted that India's intangible investment exceeded that of several European economies, reflecting the country's transition towards a knowledge-driven economy.
Sharing the findings on X, Goyal stated that India is "powering the next era of innovation-led growth" and strengthening its position as a global innovation hub. He emphasized that the report underscores the impact of sustained policy reforms, digital transformation, and support for startups under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
Breakdown of India's Intangible Investments
The report highlighted that software and databases accounted for nearly 45% of India's total intangible investment in 2023, the highest share among all economies covered. Organisational capital contributed 21.8%, while brands accounted for 9.3%. This composition reflects the strength of India's information technology and software services sector.
Goyal added, "Driven by the energy and aspirations of our young innovators, entrepreneurs and creators, India remains the world's fastest-growing major economy, a global bright spot, and is steadily building a knowledge-driven future powered by ideas, innovation and enterprise."
Implications for India's Economic Future
The report indicates that India's growing investment in knowledge-based assets such as software, innovation, and intellectual property marks a shift towards a more technology-driven and innovation-led economy. This trend aligns with India's broader economic strategy to leverage digital transformation and startup ecosystem growth.
