i dont think you'll find the US in the top 5 markets in the world with respect to freedom. you probably wont find any of those top 5 near the top of the GDP scale either.
The criteria for the #1 Ranking in innovation....did you read them in the article or see the quote from the article that I posted?
Basically the USA was ranked #1 in innovation because it is the largest free capitalist market on the earth.
OK, which nations would you rank in the top 5 markets in the world with respect to freedom? Don't even pay attention to the GNP. Certainly nothing in Europe, S. America, or Africa.....That narrows it down to Asia....India? No...too much Hindu vs Muslim nuclear warheads........China? Not exactly "Free Market." Japan Inc.? Maybe.
note the difference between largest free and free-est large.
ill guess the UK, swiss, singapore, uh... HK..... definately not japan... australia? the US is up there, but you cant nationalize banks every once and a while and taut that youre the most free market. our monex policies are iffy, too, sometimes.
again freedom is not the most important component in an economy, perhaps the most basic, tho.
how would you rank them?
USA,...
I don't think of the UK as being terribly innovative because they are part of europe, but I could be wrong since they aren't part of the EU.
Frankly I agree with your list. UK, Switzerland, "Hong Kong," Australia, Singapore.....
(Hong Kong is now China).....I'd add Canada
Do you see the common denominator?:
With the exception of Switzerland, they are all former colonies of Great Britian.
The foundation for these colonies was capital investments of private companies seeking long term profitable ventures. The tradition of free maket capitalism remains, and causes each to be highly innovative.