The Fastest-Growing Tech Ecosystems Outside the U.S. Ranked

• Singapore is the fastest growing tech ecosystem worldwide with the highest share of tech manufacturing of its GDP and AI readiness. 
• Europe dominates as the fastest-growing continent in tech, with seven countries demonstrating rapid and robust technical development.
• The United Kingdom has the highest venture capital investment rate in AI, of $3B, one billion more than any other country. 

Global investment in artificial intelligence surged past $120 billion during the last year, signaling a major shift in where the future of tech is headed. With more countries competing to lead in innovation, we set out to identify which tech ecosystems are growing the fastest.

The analysis draws on seven key indicators: share of medium and high-tech manufacturing in GDP, AI readiness, venture capital investment in AI, total patent filings, AI-specific patents, the number of AI startups, and total AI-engaged companies. All metrics were normalized on a 0–100 scale and weighted based on relevance to ecosystem growth.

Final scores reflect a country’s performance across both foundational tech capability and emerging AI innovation. Only countries with at least 80% of the required data were included, and the U.S. was excluded to keep the focus on fast-rising contenders.

Here is the summary of the findings:

You can find the full research findings by following this link. 

Singapore ranks number one as the fastest growing tech ecosystem in the world. Singapore has earned a reputation for being a global tech hub due to its high rates across the board. It has the highest share of tech manufacturing in the GDP of 85.5% and AI readiness index of 81.97. Its high availability of venture capital at $2B also provides ample opportunities for rapid tech growth. 

South Korea takes second place with a growth rank of 53.8. With a similarly impressive profile as Singapore’s, South Korea has an AI readiness score of 75.65 and an even higher investment rate of 2.21B in venture capital, proving itself as one of the most rapidly growing tech ecosystems. 

Japan posted a 48.2 growth rank, coming third among the global top ten. With one of the highest AI readiness scores Japan is the third Asian country on this list, showing the impact of rapidly upcoming tech ecosystems in the Eastern sphere. Similar to its Asian neighbors, Japan’s position is also supported by high venture capital investment and tech manufacturing.  

Germany ranks fourth place as the fastest developing tech ecosystems in the world. With a growth rate of 45.3, the country’s solid economy offers $2.16B in venture capital investments. Germany marks the beginning of a European trend to the world’s thriving tech industries, serving as the first European country in the ranking. 

The Netherlands follows in close at fifth, with a national growth index of 44.7. The Netherlands offers solid scores in all of the metrics, showing its dominance in the tech world. Its high AI readiness rate of 74.47 puts it on the map as a fast growing tech ecosystem. 

Switzerland has long been recognised for its strong economy and stability, ranking it sixth in the global tech ecosystem. Despite being on the lower end of the ranking, Switzerland offers the second highest tech manufacturing share of 70.32%, also impacting its high AI readiness score. Switzerland shows great potential as a quick developing tech state. 

Denmark climbed seventh globally with a growth rate of 41.6 as the fastest growing tech spaces worldwide. Denmark has positioned itself as a leader in the tech space due to its readiness to embrace AI with one of the highest scores in the ranking. 

France ranks eighth on the list of top tech ecosystems, driven mainly by venture capital investment rates in AI of more than $2B. The French government has also heavily invested in tech manufacturing. With over 45% of its GDP tied to the tech sector, France is quickly establishing itself as a leading force in the global tech landscape.

Ranked ninth globally, the United Kingdom has established itself as a powerful force in the tech atmosphere. The country’s venture capital in AI investment is world-class, going over $3B, cementing its reputation as a global tech leader. Despite being ninth, the UK also has the second highest AI readiness index of 78.57, thanks mainly to its high investment rate. 

Finland finishes off the list of the fastest growing tech countries in the world, with a growth index of 38.6. Also finishing off the trend of European leaders, Finland resembles its neighbors in most categories, also showing one of the highest AI readiness scores of 77.37, showing its readiness and ability in the tech space. 

Our comments; “When we talk about the future of tech, it’s no longer confined to one region or a handful of giants, what’s exciting now is seeing how different countries are carving their own paths, some leaning into advanced manufacturing, others pushing hard on AI or startup culture. It’s that variety in approach that’s driving real momentum globally.”