Abstract: This paper compares China's innovation index and 4 similar international innovation evaluation reports to analyse the differences and similarities of their aims, indicator system, evaluation scope, methods and results, and the reasons for the difference. Results showed that the ranking results are not comparable among similar evaluation reports. The study of reasons for those differences rather than country rankings should be given more attention. Finally, this paper puts forward recommendations to improve China's national innovation index in reference to other similar innovation evaluation reports.