Efficiency, not big budgets, the driver of innovation goals

CONVENTIONAL wisdom assumes that larger spending on infrastructure, universities and research and development (R&D) automatically produces stronger innovation. However, the fundamental question is not merely how much capital is spent but also how efficiently a system converts available resources into tangible, impactful outcomes for the nation.

A recent scientific study presented at the Decision Science Research Symposium at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) offers a critical perspective on this issue. Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a mathematical modelling technique, the study evaluated the relative operational efficiency of innovation management across 139 economies worldwide, drawing on data from the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s (Wipo) Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 report.