This study investigates the dynamic interplay between National Innovation System (NIS) elements and National Innovation Capability (NIC) using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) on Global Innovation Index (GII) data from 2011-2022. It examines whether NIS factors have consistent impacts on NIC across different economies and over time. The findings reveal diverse paths to high NIC in high-income and upper-middle-income economies, highlighting the importance of infrastructure and the combined effect of human capital & research, market sophistication, and business sophistication.