Tag: draper innovation index

Draper Innovation Index News
Leane Pottas

Youth Entrepreneurship in Jamaica: A Cultural Powerhouse of Young Talent

The Draper Innovation Index (DII) ranks 228 countries on the conditions that enable entrepreneurship to thrive; from government quality and economic environment to innovation and social norms. Jamaica’s overall DII ranking is modest, but it does very little to capture what is actually happening on the island. Jamaica is often called a “cultural powerhouse” – an island nation whose music, sports, and culture have had outsized global impact for generations. That same dynamic energy is visible in its entrepreneurial ecosystem, and its young people are leading the charge. What Makes Jamaica Stand Out The data on entrepreneurial activity in Jamaica turns global averages on their head. In most economies, early-stage entrepreneurship is dominated by older age groups. In Jamaica, it is the youth who lead: This combination of female leadership, youth engagement, and confidence creates a genuinely dynamic environment. The Real Challenges The obstacles facing Jamaican entrepreneurs are real and worth understanding clearly: The Foundations Are Strengthening Education is a major success story in Jamaica and a critical foundation for its future entrepreneurs. The country has made impressive strides: On innovation, Jamaica punches above its weight. It ranks 63rd globally on the DII Innovation sub-index – ahead of many of its Caribbean neighbors, and scores highly on social and cultural norms that support entrepreneurship, as well as on entrepreneurship education in schools. The Path Forward Jamaica has a track record of producing entrepreneurs who reach the world stage; such as Chris Blackwell who co-founded Island Records at age 22 and brought reggae music to a global audience. The foundations are clearly there: a resilient and confident population, a strong cultural identity, rising education levels, and young people who are not waiting around. The focus now needs to be on helping businesses survive longer, increasing technology adoption, and improving access to capital. The next Chris Blackwell is out there. The question is whether the ecosystem will catch up to the talent. Learn more about BizWorld’s international partnership with Jamaica Explore the full Draper Innovation Index at https://bizworld.org/index/

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Draper Innovation Index News
Leane Pottas

Youth Entrepreneurship in Argentina: Passion in the Face of Challenges

The Draper Innovation Index (DII) ranks countries around the world on how easy it is for people to start and grow new businesses. Argentina sits in a challenging position on the DII due to long-term economic instability, but the country tells a far more complex story than its ranking suggests. It is one of extraordinary entrepreneurial spirit, particularly among its young people. Under the Javier Milei administration, there are now real signs of recovery. Hyperinflation has fallen to more normal levels and economic growth has significantly increased, making this an important moment to pay attention to what is happening on the ground. A Nation of Aspiring Entrepreneurs Despite the economic backdrop, the entrepreneurial spirit among Argentina’s youth is exceptionally strong. The numbers speak for themselves: This level of ambition, sustained through economic crisis, is remarkable. Entrepreneurship in Argentina is not a trend, it is a cultural response to adversity. So why does Argentina not rank higher on our global innovation rankings? The Challenges That Remain Despite the enthusiasm, structural barriers are holding many young Argentinian entrepreneurs back: Education: The Missing Link For Argentina to convert aspiration into action, education needs urgent attention. Recent trends show a concerning decline in student performance in core subjects that are foundational for running a business: Investing in entrepreneurship-specific education and durable skills could be a powerful motivator, directly connecting classroom learning to the ambitious goals of so many young Argentinians. Where Argentina Shines on the DII Despite its overall ranking, Argentina has standout performance in key DII categories: Argentina’s story is one of resilience. Its youth face enormous economic challenges but respond with an overwhelming desire to build something. If the economy continues to stabilize and investment in education follows, the entrepreneurial energy already present in its young people could become the engine that drives the country forward. Supporting young Argentine entrepreneurs is not just the right thing to do – it may be the most important economic investment Argentina can make. Explore the full Draper Innovation Index at https://bizworld.org/index/

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Draper Innovation Index News
David Solis

Draper Innovation Index US May 2026

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index U.S.States Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places to Launch a Startup Colorado, North Carolina, and Georgia Climb DII US Top 10Texas, Wyoming, and Arizona DropMissouri Breaks into DII US Top 20, Alaska Rises, North Dakota FallsCalifornia, New York, and Massachusetts SteadyOhio, Colorado, Delaware, and Wisconsin Post Largest GainsMontana, Oklahoma, and Wyoming See Largest Declines San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces the May 2026 update to the Draper Innovation Index U.S. (DII US), which evaluates each state’s innovation environment and entrepreneurship climate. Published monthly since 2021, the DII US provides the most well-rounded, up-to-date ranking of entrepreneurial locations, reflecting both traditional and emerging economic metrics, from taxes and regulations to venture capital investment, cryptocurrency friendliness, and blockchain investment trends. “As always, new business formation (or the lack thereof) was a major factor this month,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “While states can’t directly create new entrepreneurs, one of the levers they can pull is the funding of entrepreneurial education. Young people have started some of the most iconic companies: think Steve Jobs and Apple, Walt Disney and his studio. The leading indicator of a state’s future economic competitiveness is the entrepreneurial mindset of its youth. Giving young people the tools and knowledge necessary to start their own businesses should be a priority for every state.  That is exactly the critical infrastructure BizWorld is building across the country – and globe.” Top Takeaways from the DII US April 2026 Update Key Risers: Colorado, North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Colorado, DelawareKey Fallers: Wyoming, Arizona, Montana, Oklahoma “The shifting landscape of our DII US Top Ten proves that no state has a permanent monopoly on innovation. Entrepreneurs are highly mobile, and they will naturally migrate to the environments that offer the most opportunity,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “The states that are truly pulling ahead in our rankings are those embracing the future of finance, specifically cryptocurrency and blockchain. Colorado and Ohio are prime examples of how welcoming these new technologies attracts significant venture capital and drives economic momentum.” The DII US will continue to post monthly updates which can be accessed here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in San Mateo, CA, whose mission is to equip future generations with entrepreneurial life skills to unlock their potential and create economic opportunity. 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/

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Draper Innovation Index News
David Solis

Draper Innovation Index Global May 2026

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index Global Nations Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places Globallyto Launch a Startup India, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar Register Largest GainsFinland Falls in DII Global Top 10; Singapore and Netherlands RiseNamibia, Micronesia, and Papua New Guinea See Largest DeclinesChina Sees No Change; Russia Sees Marginal GainGuatemala and Colombia RiseIreland and South Korea Rise in Top 20, New Zealand and Luxembourg Sink San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces its May 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. The May 2026 DII Global update reflects the continued global instability stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. “India was our biggest success story this month, jumping 14 spots in the DII Global rankings. Their unmatched growth in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning venture capital proves that AI is the new catalyst for entrepreneurial expansion on the world stage,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “Securing the largest increase in AI investments this month shows that global investors are highly confident in India’s potential to lead the next generation of tech entrepreneurship. India is the world’s sixth largest economy and has great entrepreneurial potential – its population of more than 1.4 billion, which is now the world’s largest, could support a massive new generation of entrepreneurs.“ Top Takeaways from the DII Global April 2026 Update Key Risers: India, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Singapore, Netherlands, Guatemala, ColombiaKey Fallers: Finland, Namibia, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea “The data this month makes one thing clear: nations that secure vital Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning venture capital, such as Singapore and the Netherlands, are actively climbing the ranks. It is the underlying engine driving global entrepreneurial competitiveness,” said BizWorld Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “If you look across the entire DII Global this month, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning investments are shifting the balance of power. Whether it is driving massive leaps for nations like India or providing the marginal edge Ireland and South Korea needed to overtake competitors in the top 20, AI capital is the ultimate differentiator in today’s global market. It is evident that nations failing to attract Machine Learning venture capital risk being left behind in the modern innovation race.” 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/

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Draper Innovation Index News
David Solis

Draper Innovation Index US April 2026

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index U.S.States Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places to Launch a Startup Florida Retains Top Spot in DII US RankingsNew Hampshire Climbs into 2nd; Utah Slips to 3rdSouth Dakota and Arizona Rise in DII Top 10; Colorado and North Carolina FallCalifornia, New York, and Massachusetts See No ChangeMontana and Alaska Break into DII Top 20; North Dakota ImprovesArizona, Idaho, and Montana Post Largest GainsOklahoma, Ohio, and Nevada See Largest Declines San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces the April 2026 update to the Draper Innovation Index U.S. (DII US), which evaluates each state’s innovation environment and entrepreneurship climate. Published monthly since 2021, the DII US provides the most well-rounded, up-to-date ranking of entrepreneurial locations, reflecting both traditional and emerging economic metrics, from taxes and regulations to venture capital investment, cryptocurrency friendliness, and blockchain investment trends. “While traditional powerhouses like California, New York, and Massachusetts maintained their positions this month, they are no longer the default destinations for startups. The rapid rise of states like Idaho, Montana, and Arizona shows that innovation is truly becoming decentralized across the U.S.” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “In fact, Montana tied for this month’s largest jump. Montana’s impressive leap into the DII US Top 20 is a testament to the power of favorable tax policies. Entrepreneurs are actively migrating to states where their capital is respected, and Montana is clearly reaping those rewards.” Top Takeaways from the DII US April 2026 Update Key Risers: New Hampshire, South Dakota, Arizona, Idaho, MontanaKey Fallers: Utah, Colorado, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, Nevada “The reshuffling we see in the Top 10, including South Dakota and Arizona’s rise, underscores how sensitive state rankings are to new business formation. Even with strong VC funding, a state must continue fostering grassroots entrepreneurship to stay competitive,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “The steep declines we saw this month in Oklahoma, Ohio, and Nevada serve as a cautionary tale. Without consistent new business formation and active adoption of emerging sectors like blockchain, states will quickly lose ground in the DII US.” The DII US will continue to post monthly updates which can be accessed here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in San Mateo, CA, whose mission is to equip future generations with entrepreneurial life skills to unlock their potential and create economic opportunity. 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/

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Draper Innovation Index News
David Solis

Draper Innovation Index Global April 2026

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index Global Nations Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places Globallyto Launch a Startup DII Global Top 10 Remains SteadyNepal, Jordan, Cook Islands, and Venezuela Register Largest GainsAzerbaijan, Seychelles, Namibia, and Zambia See Largest DeclinesChina, Russia, and India See No ChangeArgentina Rises in the DII Global RankingsLuxembourg and Iceland Rise in DII Global Top 20, Japan Breaks in at 20thSouth Korea and Norway Fall in DII Global Top 20 San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces its April 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. The April 2026 DII Global update reflects the continued global instability stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. “Global instability continues to impact the DII Global rankings,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “Multiple countries rose or fell this month due to US State Department Travel Advisories. Conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and other areas are beginning to shift DII Global rankings. The dramatic swings we saw in Nepal, Venezuela, and Azerbaijan this month highlight a critical truth: entrepreneurship cannot thrive in isolation. U.S. Travel Advisories directly impact investor confidence, border mobility, and ultimately, a nation’s ability to attract startup capital globally.” Top Takeaways from the DII Global April 2026 Update Key Risers: Argentina, Nepal, Jordan, Cook Islands, Venezuela, Luxembourg, Iceland, JapanKey Fallers: South Korea, Norway, Azerbaijan, Seychelles, Namibia, Zambia “AI and Machine Learning-related venture capital was the biggest factor on the DII Global this month,” said BizWorld Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “ChatGPT launched less than four years ago, but alongside its competitors, it has already transformed the global economy—and this technological shift is clearly here to stay. We are seeing artificial intelligence act as a great equalizer. Boosting investment in AI and related fields will only become more important as these technologies continue to evolve. Countries are climbing the ranks specifically because they are aggressively attracting AI and Machine Learning venture capital.” 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/

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Draper Innovation Index News
David Solis

Draper Innovation Index US March 2026

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index U.S.States Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places to Launch a Startup Texas Overtakes Wyoming for 4th, Utah Hangs Onto 2ndVirginia and Indiana Rise in DII US Top 20, Michigan and North Dakota SlipCalifornia and New York Decline; Massachusetts Remains SteadyOklahoma, Montana, and Ohio See Largest GainsIdaho, Kentucky, North Dakota, Maryland, and Kansas See Largest Drops San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces the March 2026 update to the Draper Innovation Index U.S. (DII US), which evaluates each state’s innovation environment and entrepreneurship climate. Published monthly since 2021, the DII US provides the most well-rounded, up-to-date ranking of entrepreneurial locations, reflecting both traditional and emerging economic metrics, from taxes and regulations to venture capital investment, cryptocurrency friendliness, and blockchain investment trends. “Entrepreneurship and innovation is the name of the game here at BizWorld,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “While mega-metros in California and New York might have the highest raw number of legacy businesses, that doesn’t necessarily translate to a top spot on the DII US. Their continued slide to 31st and 49th respectively tells the real story. An unfriendly tax or regulatory environment doesn’t just offset economic advantages—it actively drives the next generation of innovators and venture capital out of state. The rise of Texas to the number four spot highlights another critical aspect. The states that are actively leaning into emerging technologies, specifically by fostering friendly environments for cryptocurrency and blockchain venture capital, are the ones future-proofing their economies.” Top Takeaways from the DII US March 2026 Update Key Risers: Texas, Oklahoma, Montana, Ohio,Key Fallers: California, New York, Idaho, Kentucky, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota “New Hampshire currently ranks third on the DII US despite ranking 40th in GDP and 42nd in population size,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “Why? It proves that policy outweighs sheer size. By maintaining one of the most business-friendly tax environments in the country—with no sales or income tax—New Hampshire punches far above its weight class in attracting top-tier entrepreneurs.” The DII US will continue to post monthly updates which can be accessed here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in San Mateo, CA, whose mission is to equip future generations with entrepreneurial life skills to unlock their potential and create economic opportunity. 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/

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Draper Innovation Index News
David Solis

Draper Innovation Index Global March 2026

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index GlobalNations Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places Globallyto Launch a Startup DII Global Middle East Rankings See Major Shakeup Due to Conflict in IranKuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar Register Largest DeclinesCanada Retreats to 5th; Switzerland (3rd) and Denmark (4th) ClimbChina, Russia, and India All SlipPanama, Argentina, Jamaica, and Uruguay See ImprovementsEl Salvador, Paraguay, and Japan Fall San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces its March 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. The March 2026 DII Global update reflects rising uncertainty, especially in the Middle East, where the conflict in Iran has embroiled the region and as a result, increased many countries’ U.S. State Travel Advisory dramatically impacting their DII Global ranks. This month’s update also includes an annual update to the Fraser Economic Freedom Index as well as the addition of a metric regarding proportion of public sector employment compared to private sector employment. “Canada’s retreat in the rankings is a direct reflection of a shifting climate,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “They are no longer as friendly to entrepreneurs as they once were. When policies shift away from rewarding calculated risk and business formation, the capital and the innovators simply go elsewhere, and the DII Global data reflects that drop in real-time.” Top Takeaways from the DII Global March 2026 Update “The recent conflict in Iran is the biggest factor driving the DII global this month,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “Middle Eastern countries have temporarily dropped down the rankings as a consequence of new U.S. State Travel Advisory warnings. While war is unequivocally bad for innovation in the short term, driving away capital and talent, we maintain long-term hope that the region will stabilize and once again cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.” 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/

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Draper Innovation Index News
David Solis

Draper Innovation Index US February 2026

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index U.S.States Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places to Launch a Startup Battle for the Top: Utah Jumps Over Wyoming to 2nd in DII USNevada Breaks Back into Top 10; Arizona Falls OutGeorgia Slips to 10thTennessee, Idaho, and Michigan Climb Top 20; Arizona, Virginia, and Indiana DeclineMassachusetts Slides Again, California 30th and New York 48thKentucky, Nevada, and Tennessee Tied for Largest GainsNew Mexico, Virginia, Montana, and Wisconsin Register Largest Drops San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces the February 2026 update to the Draper Innovation Index U.S. (DII US), which evaluates each state’s innovation environment and entrepreneurship climate. Published monthly since 2021, the DII US provides the most well-rounded, up-to-date ranking of entrepreneurial locations, reflecting both traditional and emerging economic metrics, from taxes and regulations to venture capital investment, cryptocurrency friendliness, and blockchain investment trends. “Don’t let the slight rebound in California and New York fool you. Rising one spot after plummeting seven is not a comeback; it’s statistical noise. Until these massive economies fix their tax structures and stop penalizing success, they will continue to bleed talent to hungry, agile states like Nevada,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “Nevada’s return to the Top 10 isn’t an accident; it’s a signal. While other states are regulating innovation into the ground, Nevada is embracing the decentralized future. The states that win in 2026 will be the ones that realize Bitcoin and blockchain aren’t just assets—they are the infrastructure of the next economy.” Top Takeaways from the DII US December 2025 Update Key Risers: Utah, Nevada, Tennessee, Kentucky, Idaho, MichiganKey Fallers: Wyoming, Arizona, Georgia, Virginia, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Mexico “Three middle-sized state economies tied for the highest rise this month,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “Nevada, Kentucky and Tennessee all rose by three places due to a combination of new business formation and venture capital investment outperformance. All three states have above-average Tax Environment and Small Business sub-scores, which provide a strong foundation for growth and means that these states could continue rising the DII US throughout 2026.” The DII US will continue to post monthly updates which can be accessed here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in San Mateo, CA, whose mission is to equip future generations with entrepreneurial life skills to unlock their potential and create economic opportunity. 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/

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Draper Innovation Index News
David Solis

Draper Innovation Index Global February 2026

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index GlobalNations Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places Globallyto Launch a Startup Jamaica Soars 30 Spots While DII Global Top 10 Remains StableIceland Reverses Previous Decline, Moves Ahead of Luxembourg and EstoniaChina and Japan See No Change While India Sees Small GainArgentina, El Salvador, and Ecuador RiseCuba, Suriname, Paraguay, and Colombia FallIran and Syria See Largest DeclinesJamaica, Seychelles, and Nigeria See Largest Gains San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces its February 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. The February 2026 DII Global update highlights a continuing trend of widening divergence: while advanced economies are battling for AI dominance, emerging markets are being reshuffled by currency volatility. The S&P 500 and U.S. Travel Advisories were also key factors this month. “This month, Jamaica saw one of the largest rises in DII Global history, rising by 30 places” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “In a month when the stability of the DII Global Top 10, led by the U.S., U.K., and Canada, demonstrates the resilience of established entrepreneurial ecosystems, the movement we see in the mid-ranks proves that innovation is not static. Countries that lower barriers to entry and improve safety and economic freedom—like we saw with Jamaica this month—can rapidly change their economic destiny.” Top Takeaways from the DII Global February 2026 Update Key Risers: Jamaica, Seychelles, Argentina, Nigeria, IcelandKey Fallers: Iran, Syria, Suriname, Colombia, Paraguay, Cuba “This month’s index highlights a divergence in capital efficiency,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “Advanced economies like Iceland are cementing their leads through targeted AI investments, while other regions are slipping as venture capital activity cools. For world leaders, the data suggests that stabilizing currency is only the first step; the second is creating an environment where investors feel confident deploying capital into future-facing technologies.” 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/

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