STARTUP ECOSYSTEM

Hungary Innovation index

Hungary’s Innovation Performance: Global Rankings and Key Insights

Hungary continues to strengthen its position in global innovation through strategic investments in research and development (R&D), patent activity, and high-tech industries. The Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024 ranks Hungary 36th out of 133 economies, a slight decline from 35th in 2023. Despite this small drop, Hungary remains one of the most innovative economies in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and maintains a strong high-income economy status.

Hungary’s R&D Investment

While Hungary has made progress in research and development, its R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP is still relatively low compared to Western European nations. In 2023, Hungary’s R&D spending accounted for approximately 1.4% of GDP, below the EU average of 2.2%. However, this marks an increase from previous years, reflecting Hungary’s focus on boosting innovation.

Hungary’s government budget allocations for R&D (GBARD) per capita have also improved, reaching €62.7 in 2023, a significant rise from €16 in 2013. This demonstrates a commitment to strengthening national innovation capacity, particularly in biotechnology, automotive engineering, and information technology.

Patent Activity

Patent filings serve as a strong indicator of a country’s innovation performance. In recent years, Hungary has made significant progress in patent applications, especially in high-tech fields.

  • In 2023, Hungary recorded a total of 1,870 patent applications, marking a 4.6% increase from the previous year.
  • 1,532 of these applications were filed by Hungarian residents, reflecting a 5.2% year-over-year growth.
  • 338 applications were filed abroad, showing a modest 2.3% increase, indicating Hungarian inventors’ growing interest in international markets.

Hungary’s Global Patent Rankings

Hungary ranks 41st globally in total patent applications, demonstrating its growing technological capabilities. Looking at per capita rankings:

  • Hungary filed 82.3 resident patent applications per million inhabitants, ranking 38th globally.
  • Resident applications per 100 billion USD GDP stood at 198, placing Hungary 44th in this category.
  • Within Eastern Europe, Hungary holds a top 3 position, contributing 7.2% of regional patent filings.

Trends in Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Applications

Hungary is expanding its reach in international patent applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), particularly in areas such as renewable energy and medical technology.

  • Between 2021 and 2023, Hungary filed 67 PCT applications related to clean energy, an 18.9% increase compared to previous years.
  • Despite this growth, Hungary’s PCT filings per million inhabitants remain at 5.1, ranking the country 46th globally.

Key Technical Fields Driving Hungary’s Patent Growth

Patent filings in Hungary are concentrated in several key technical domains, with notable increases in high-tech manufacturing and digitalization. The leading fields include:

  1. Medical Technology14.2% of total filings
  2. Automotive Engineering12.5%
  3. Renewable Energy & Sustainable Solutions9.8%
  4. AI & Digital Innovation8.6%
  5. Pharmaceutical & Biotech Research7.4%
  6. Other Technical Fields47.5%

Hungary’s Most Active Patent Applicants (2021-2023)

Hungary’s top patent applicants include a mix of universities, research institutions, and private companies:

  • Budapest University of Technology and Economics – 9 applications
  • Semmelweis University (Medical Research) – 7 applications
  • Richter Gedeon Pharmaceuticals – 6 applications
  • Hungarian Academy of Sciences – 5 applications
  • MOL Group (Energy & Chemical Research) – 4 applications

Hungary’s Intellectual Property (IP) Landscape

According to Hungary’s national IP office, trends indicate a steady rise in resident patent filings.

  • In 2023, Hungary recorded 1,635 total applications, a 6.2% increase from 2022.
  • Resident applications accounted for 1,504 filings (92% of all applications), while non-residents filed 131 (8%).
  • However, patent grants declined in 2023, with only 617 granted patents, representing a 12.1% decrease from 2022.

Hungarian Inventors Expanding Globally

Hungarian inventors are increasingly seeking international protection for their innovations. The top destinations for Hungarian patent applications include:

  • United States28.3% of all foreign applications
  • Germany17.6%
  • Japan12.9%
  • China9.7%
  • United Kingdom7.4%

Source: https://www.wipo.int/edocs/gii-ranking/2024/hu.pdf

Business Sophistication & Knowledge and technology outputs 

Source : https://www.wipo.int/edocs/gii-ranking/2024/hu.pdf 

Patents in Hungary

Source: https://www.wipo.int/edocs/statistics-country-profile/en/hu.pdf

Patent Statistics in Hungary

Source: https://www.wipo.int/edocs/statistics-country-profile/en/hu.pdf 

Sources:

2025-02-11T16:41:07+01:00

Hungary Startup density

Hungary’s startup ecosystem has evolved into a key player in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), driven by a supportive business environment, strategic government initiatives, and a growing pool of entrepreneurial talent. The country's dynamic ecosystem has attracted both local and international investors, fostering innovation across diverse tech sectors.

2025-02-11T16:50:14+01:00

Hungary Export/Import Ratio

Hungary, a Central European nation bordered by Slovakia, Ukraine, Austria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia, experienced notable trade dynamics in 2023. The country exported goods worth US$160.8 billion, marking a 31.6% increase from 2019’s $122.2 billion and a year-over-year rise of 7.3% from $149.9 billion in 2022. Simultaneously, Hungary imported goods valued at $148 billion, a 6.55% decline from $159 billion in 2022. This trade activity resulted in a $12.8 billion trade surplus, reversing the previous year’s $9.1 billion deficit.

2025-02-11T16:47:36+01:00

Hungary Innovation index

Hungary continues to strengthen its position in global innovation through strategic investments in research and development (R&D), patent activity, and high-tech industries. The Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024 ranks Hungary 36th out of 133 economies, a slight decline from 35th in 2023. Despite this small drop, Hungary remains one of the most innovative economies in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and maintains a strong high-income economy status.