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R&D investment: stats, analyses and opinions

A deep dive into R&D investment across the globe. We feature R&D stats, analyses and insightful opinions. More specifically, we consider the status of R&D spending and R&D output in many countries. Importantly, we also provide country comparison data.

Current articles

  • Why R&D expenditure should be called R&D investment
  • OECD R&D statistics databases
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This R&D investment section is still growing

Please bear with us while we develop this awesome section further. We’ll work to answer questions such as:

  • Which countries are leading when it comes to R&D?
  • Does the world invest enough in R&D?
  • How do investments by governments compare to investments by businesses?
  • What can we learn from historical R&D spending data?

In the meantime, enjoy what is already published in this section!

Where to get R&D investment data?

There are quite a few organizations that publish R&D expenditure (investment) data. At Beating Gravity, we mainly use the following sources:

  • Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
  • The World Bank
  • American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Our in-depth article about OECD R&D statistics explains the OECD R&D stats in detail. It also tells you how to export OECD data.

Which R&D stats are important?

It’s obvious to look at the level of spending. That’s only part of the story though. It’s equally (if not more) important to consider what we get in return. And how that compares between countries, and sectors within countries.

Here are some important things to look at concerning R&D investment. This list is not exhaustive:

  • R&D expenditure data, by country, by sector, by government department, etc.
  • R&D budgets. And remember, budgets don’t always equal actual spending!
  • Source of funds, who is paying for all that research and development?
  • Number of researchers employed.
  • Number of other R&D staff employed.
  • Patent application stats.
  • Statistics regarding scientific publications.
  • Citations of previously published scientific articles.
  • Import and export data for relevant industries.

You will find these statistical indicators, and more, in the R&D investment articles listed below. Let’s take off!

Why R&D expenditure should be called R&D investment

Section: R&D investment

Governments, businesses, and other organizations often refer to “R&D expenditure” or “R&D spending” in reports and other communications. In this article we’ll explain why they … Read more

Read full article
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OECD R&D statistics databases

Section: R&D investment

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is easily one of the best sources for R&D statistics. So it’s no coincidence we looked into … Read more

Read full article
OECD Member Countries, Candidates, and Key Partners
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