The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)‘s latest Global Innovation Index 2026 report on the top 100 innovation clusters shows that the Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou cluster has ranked first worldwide for the second consecutive year, further cementing the Greater Bay Area's leadership in global science and technology innovation.

The ranking is based on three core metrics: PCT international patent filings, high-quality research publications, and venture capital deals. In the latest period, the Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou cluster recorded 120,095 PCT filings, 215,866 publications, and 7,325 VC deals. PCT filings alone accounted for over 60% of the cluster's score, making them the single most important contributor.

Guangzhou Development District and Huangpu District are home to 211 specialized "little giant" enterprises and nearly 3,000 high-tech companies, with 807 PCT international patent filings. Shenzhen is stepping up the commercialization of innovation outcomes, bringing in investment institutions, and working closely with Hong Kong's top universities and international capital markets—laying a solid foundation for moving lab results quickly onto production lines.

Looking ahead, the Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou innovation cluster will continue to drive momentum and lead technology innovation across the Greater Bay Area.