<p>➀ The innovation gap between the US and China narrowed to 5.1 points in 2024, down from 12.6 points in 2015, according to WIPO's Global Innovation Index;</p><p>➁ The US dominated late-stage VC deals and software spending (47% global R&D share), while China led in patents, industrial designs, and scientific research (14% growth in research articles);</p><p>➂ Global research output reached 2 million articles in 2024, fueled by contributions from China and India.</p>