#3 Germany

What do aspirin, the electron microscope, the MP3 music format, and LCDs have in common, the country of their birth, Germany. German innovation is “often based on very deep technical expertise, which allows even small German firms to become market leaders in very narrow segments,” says Christian Terwiesch, professor of operations and information management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. “These companies succeed by offering the best technology in their segment.” (Source: Wall Street Journal)

R&D intensity: 8^th

Productivity: 7^th

High-tech density: 4^th

Researcher concentration: 17^th

Manufacturing capability: 23^rd

Tertiary efficiency: 25^th

Patent activity: 7^th

#2 South Korea

Home to cell phone companies Samsung and LG, South Korea has grown into a trillion-dollar economy since the 1970′s, according to the Daily Beast. South Korean residents use cell phones for everything–calling, surfing the Web, watching TV–forcing industry to stay on their toes.

R&D intensity: 5^th

Productivity: 32^nd

High-tech density: 3^rd

Researcher concentration: 8^th

Manufacturing capability: 3^rd

Tertiary efficiency: 4^th

Patent activity: 1^st

#1 United States

U.S.A. is the home to the biggest tech enterprises like Microsoft, Apple, Google, and other gigantic companies. The country pours more than $25 billion into the venture capitalists each year, no wonder Silicon Valley is the epicenter of innovations.

R&D intensity: 9^th

Productivity: 3^rd

High-tech density: 1^st

Researcher concentration: 10^th

Manufacturing capability: 52^nd

Tertiary efficiency: 26^th

Patent activity: 6^th

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