Call for Applications: WIPO Global Innovation Index Fellowship 2027

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has opened applications for its 2027 Global Innovation Index (GII) Fellowship.

It offers qualified professionals an opportunity to gain international research experience in economics, data science, innovation policy and statistical analysis.

The fellowship is based at WIPO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and provides a monthly stipend of up to CHF 6,000, depending on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience. The programme will enable the selected fellow to contribute to research and data analysis supporting WIPO’s flagship Global Innovation Index, which assesses innovation performance across economies worldwide.

The fellowship is managed by WIPO’s Department for Economics and Data Analytics, within the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector. It is designed to strengthen the organisation’s research on global innovation trends and improve the measurement of innovation and creativity.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive financial and professional support throughout the fellowship. Key benefits include:

• Monthly stipend: CHF 3,300 to CHF 6,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

• Travel support: Contributions towards travel expenses at the beginning and end of the fellowship.

• Medical coverage: Contributions towards medical insurance and accident insurance coverage.

• Visa assistance: Support with obtaining a Swiss entry visa, where necessary.

• International experience: The opportunity to work with researchers and professionals at a specialised United Nations agency.

• Professional development: Practical experience in economic research, data analysis, innovation measurement and policy development.

The fellowship is expected to run for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extensions, subject to WIPO’s conditions and a maximum cumulative duration of three years.

The position is based in Geneva and cannot be undertaken remotely. The anticipated start date is January 4, 2027.

Responsibilities of the Fellow

The selected candidate will work under the supervision of the Senior Economist in WIPO’s Composite Indicator Research Section.

Responsibilities will include collecting, processing, auditing and analysing innovation-related data while assessing new data sources for the organisation’s innovation research initiatives.

The fellow will also contribute to developing and updating the Global Innovation Tracker, improving existing indicators and exploring new measures for evaluating innovation performance.

Additional duties include contributing research and country-level analysis to the annual Global Innovation Index report, supporting project management activities, preparing briefing documents and talking points, and producing data visualisations.

The role also involves developing content for WIPO’s website and social media platforms to communicate research findings to policymakers, innovation stakeholders and wider audiences.

Eligibility Requirements

The fellowship is intended for candidates with strong academic backgrounds and practical experience in economics, statistics, data science or related disciplines.

Applicants must meet the following essential requirements:

Academic qualifications: A master’s degree or equivalent advanced university qualification in economics, statistics, data science or a related field.

Professional experience: Relevant experience in economics or a comparable discipline, including familiarity with large datasets, database management and indicator development.

Programming and analytical skills: Proficiency in statistical or data-science programming, particularly Python and/or R, alongside experience with data management and statistical or econometric analysis.

Technical competencies: Demonstrated ability to use code-hosting platforms such as GitHub and data tools such as AWS and MySQL. Experience working with large cross-country datasets, developing composite indicators and maintaining data visualisation dashboards is also required.

Communication skills: Experience producing content for websites and social media, as well as the ability to explain technical findings clearly to non-technical audiences.

Language proficiency: Excellent written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

A background in or interest in innovation studies, innovation economics and innovation policy will also be beneficial.

Additional Conditions

WIPO states that the fellowship does not constitute regular staff employment and does not confer employment rights beyond the terms of the fellowship.

The organisation will contribute towards eligible travel costs and medical insurance under the stated arrangements. It will also request the relevant Swiss residence and work documentation for the selected fellow. Fellows remain responsible for any applicable tax and social security obligations.

Applicants should ensure that their academic qualifications come from institutions recognised in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), as WIPO uses this database to verify eligible higher education credentials.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is October 30, 2026. WIPO specifies that the deadline is displayed according to the applicant’s local time zone.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the official vacancy announcement carefully and submit their applications before the deadline.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates should visit the official WIPO recruitment portal and search for the Global Innovation Index (GII) Fellowship, vacancy reference 26307-FEL.

Applicants should complete the online application and provide accurate information about their academic qualifications, relevant professional experience and technical competencies. Shortlisted candidates may be required to provide identification documents and copies of relevant academic certificates.

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Visit the official WIPO recruitment portal to review the complete vacancy details and submit an application.

For further information about WIPO’s fellowship programmes, visit the official WIPO Fellowship Programme page.