Global Intangible Investment Report 2026
- Background: The Global Intangible Investment Report 2026 highlights that India is one of the world’s leading innovation-driven economies.
- Among the 15 largest economies, India has recorded the fastest growth in intangible investments.
About the Report
- This report is published annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Luiss Business School, Italy.
Tangible Investment
- Refers to investment made in the following physical assets: factories, machinery, buildings, and equipment.
Intangible Investment
- Refers to investment made in the following non-physical assets: Research and Development (R&D), software, databases, organizational knowledge and skills, trademarks, design, and intellectual property (IP).
Key Findings
- Rapid Growth
-
- Since 2008, investment in intangible assets has grown more than three times faster than investment in tangible assets.
- Furthermore, it has demonstrated greater resilience during economic crises and shocks.
- Global Leaders
-
-
- The United States holds the highest total investment in intangible assets.
- Sweden ranks first in investment intensity (highest investment relative to the size of its economy).
-
- Asset Trends
-
- In India: Software and databases are the fastest-growing segments of intangible investment.
- Globally: Organizational capital and Research and Development (R&D) are the fastest-growing intangible assets.

