BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index Global
Nations Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places Globally
to Launch a Startup

Following Major Volatility in Recent Months, DII Global Top 10 Stabilizes
Ireland Breaks into Top 10, New Zealand Falls Out
Iceland Overtakes Norway in DII Global Top 20
China and Russia Drop
Taiwan, Liechtenstein, and Macau See Largest Gains
Kosovo, Belize, and Qatar Register Largest Declines

San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces its July 2026 update to the Draper Innovation Index Global (DII Global), which evaluates each nation’s ability to develop, support, and retain entrepreneurs, innovators, startups, and investors. First published in 2021, the DII Global provides the most well-rounded and up-to-date look at entrepreneurial environments across the globe. In an effort to continually use the most up-to-date information, the July 2026 DII Global includes an update to Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index.

“Taiwan, a country that has punched above its weight class for decades, had this month’s biggest improvement,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “Improved performance on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index was the major reason why. Few things make a country less attractive to entrepreneurs and investors than the perception that corruption runs deep in that country’s economic and political life. On the flipside, perceptions of transparency and stability serve as a magnet for entrepreneurs, investors and talent. As the world’s biggest microchip manufacturer, Taiwan could see further sustained advances up the DII ranks during the ongoing AI boom.”

Top Takeaways from the DII Global July 2026 Update

Key Risers: Taiwan, Liechtenstein, Ireland, Macau, Iceland
Key Fallers: China, Russia, Kosovo, Belize, Qatar, New Zealand, Norway

• Taiwan saw this month’s single largest improvement, rising 13 places on the DII Global rankings to finish 31st. This was due to a combination of improving Transparency International Corruption Perception Index score, significant growth in venture capital investments, and slightly above-average currency performance.
• Liechtenstein also saw strong growth, rising 10 places to 28th as it registered the second largest increase in AI/Machine Learning venture capital investments this month.
• Kosovo, on the other hand, saw the month’s largest decline. A combination of zero growth in venture capital investments, weak currency performance, and a declining Corruption Perception Index ranking pushed it down 16 places.
• Belize saw the second largest rank decline, slipping from 78th to 92nd, due to minimal venture capital activity and no AI/Machine Learning investment growth.
• Ireland (10th) overtook New Zealand (11th) in the DII top ten due to its stronger currency performance.
• Iceland (16th) passed Norway thanks to a large increase in AI/Machine Learning related venture capital investment.
• China fell to 76th primarily due to currency performance.
• Russia also fell to 216th due to declining AI/Machine Learning venture capital investments.
• Macau rose by 9 places to 109th thanks primarily to above-average currency performance.
• Qatar fell to 120th due to steeply declining AI/Machine Learning venture capital investment growth.

“As it celebrated its 250th Independence Day on July 4, 2026, the United States remains in first place on the DII Global rankings,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “The United States has a long, rich history of entrepreneurship, from countless small business owners to household names such as Thomas Edison, Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, and Elon Musk. As China and Russia continue to decline in the DII Global, the U.S.’s long history of innovation and entrepreneurship is still being added to every day.”

The DII Global will release monthly updates to continually reflect the latest developments in global innovation and entrepreneurship, available here.

About BizWorld

BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in San Mateo, CA, whose mission is to enable youth from all backgrounds to unlock the power of entrepreneurship to create career opportunities, inspire self-reliance, and build confidence that drives economic prosperity globally. Founded over 25 years ago by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper, BizWorld.org programs teach students real-world 21st century skills and leadership that encourage them to become responsible leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. More than 850,000 students in more than 100 countries have participated in BizWorld programs. https://www.bizworld.org/