mitrobeThe 10 most technologically advanced countries in the world depends on who you ask. A Chinese might claim his country is the most technologically advanced country owing to its dominance in the field of 5G technology. A Russian may think differently, listing his own top 10 most technologically advanced country based on their achievement in robotics.
A South African who follows international news might list North Korea as a very advanced country owing to the fact that the Asian country is prominent in the news for successfully testing nuclear weapons. A Filipino who probably doesn’t know what is going on in Sweden might be quick to wave it off as being technologically savvy. We are not saying any of the above opinions is wrong, but they highlight how complex it is to determine what makes a country technologically advanced.
It’s also worthy to note that in the 21st century, technology is majorly owned by corporations not countries. Think Google, SpaceX, Huawei, Erickson. The operations of these corporations are mostly not restricted by borders, so it’s difficult for any particular country to lay claim to their inventions. This article thus honors those countries that host these influential tech companies or have deployed their inventions the most.
Backed by popular perception, we present to you the top 10 most technologically advanced countries in the world in 2020.
1. Japan
Japan has refused to slow down its propensity for unique innovations, powered by a well-funded education system. The Asian country spends 3.59% of its GDP on education; its students rank second in Mathematics and first in Science among developed economies.
Japan has consistently set the pace in mobile internet technology, contactless payment, smart city technology, robotics, and automobile engineering. Automobile manufacturer, Nissan’s Leaf electric vehicle, for example, can communicate with mobile handsets. Leaf drivers can remotely activate functions such as charging and air-conditioning, receive and answer texts in audio form, search for shops and restaurants, and automatically send out emergency messages if they are in an accident or run out of power.
Japan was able to achieve these big feats in technology owing to its pre-WWII modernization efforts. Since the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Japan embarked on a sustained push to become as technologically advanced as any European power, and developed their own flavor of state-subsidized industrial capitalism that worked tremendously well.
2. USA
America’s technological advancement is exemplified in Silicon Valley, the famous technology hub in California that inspired a generation of software engineers around the world. Silicon Valley is the birthplace and home of some of the worlds’ biggest tech corporations including Google, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, and Dell.
The USA has a robust educational system that is responsible for recent technological breakthroughs in dozens of field ranging from medicine, engineering, IT, and so many other fields. The country continues to invest the most in research and development (R&D), attract the most venture capital, award the most advanced degrees, provide the most business, financial and information service, and is the largest producer in high-technology manufacturing sectors. This obviously points to one fact: that the USA will remain one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world for a very long time.
3. South Korea
South Korea is very famous for being the country with the fastest WiFi in the world. A global leader in electronics, digital displays, semiconductor devices, and mobile phones, the country has the highest broadband penetration at 97%, and is the home of Samsung, LG, and other renowned manufacturers of smartphones and smart TVs. Some of the world’s biggest and most innovative automakers, like Hyundai, are also based in South Korea.
South Korea has an advanced transport system in sophisticated metro lines and airports. The Asian country also has a record of success of in genetic engineering, with the first successful cloning of a dog in 2005, and the cloning of two wolves in 2007.
South Korea owes its technological advancement to its government’s strong support for innovation and funding of research institutions.
4. China
China is establishing itself as the global leader in technology, and it’s doing this fast. From sending a man to the moon, building the world’s most advanced rail infrastructure, building the world’s fastest computer, and maintaining a global lead in 5G technology, the world’s largest country by population has shown no sign of slowing down its technological advancement.
China is a world’s manufacturing powerhouse, and is investing heavily in robotics to keep the status quo. The country is also developing a very advanced space technology.
5. Germany
Strong education system is the backbone of Germany’s technological advancement.Its universities and research institutes have contributed a whole lot to science and technology.
From physics and chemistry to cars and consumer products, the European giant has been a world leader in innovation, boasting leading universities and research institutes alongside major engineering, IT and manufacturing industries.
Most people across the world limit German technology to car manufacturing, an area it consistently excels, but that’s myopic. Germany is also a global leader in medical technology, smart city technology, and so much more; and with the government’s huge investment in research and development through its prestigious universities and research institutes, it will remain that way for a long time to come.
6. Russia
Russia is most famous for its advanced space technology and weapon industry.
Russia is also a global leader in the field of nuclear energy, medicine, and machine technology. The country also excels in internet security technology and robotics engineering.
7. Canada
Canada is a silent achiever when it comes to tech. Its big neighbour’s overwhelming influence in the tech world has meant that Canada’s little feats go unnoticed. But not forever.
While Montreal and Ontario are known for their R&D, Vancouver has been a place for mobile tech companies.
Canada’s biggest accomplishments in tech have been in the fields of engineering and education.
8. Singapore
The city-state’s proximity to Asia’s biggest markets, low tax, and well-developed infrastructure have seen it climb up to become one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. Most of the world’s top tech corporations have strong presence here; and strong investment in the tech industry by the government have seen it become world’ second most digitally competitive country.
Singapore boasts of some of the world’s most technologically advanced IT infrastructure, and with local officials showing strong commitment towards investing further in this, the city-state may just remain Asia’s technology capital.
9.Sweden
Sweden’s unique accomplishments in the advancement of technology is huge, and is recognized around the world. Best known lately across the world for being the home of Spotify, the music streaming platform, the Scandinavian country has huge investment in research and development to thank for this enviable feat.
Local corporations driving technological advancement in Sweden include IKEA, Skype, Spotify, Volvo, and so many others.
A stable government with transparent institutions, and an environment that fosters innovation also contributed to Sweden’s rise as a tech powerhouse in the Nordic region. The Swedish government continues to invest heavily in R&D in the smart city technology, digitisation, electrification, and the environment, all of which would ensure it remains one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world.
10. Israel
Owing to a history of hostilities with its neighbours in the Middle East, Israel built and maintains one of the most technologically advanced military in the world. This means that the country leads in areas like satellite technology, drone technology, and self-driving cars.
Israel has more tech companies listed on the NASDAQ in New York than any other country in the world. The country also excels in medicine. Ultrasound was also developed here, along with advanced MRI and CT scans.
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