R&D Expenditure (% of GDP) 2022

R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP indicates investment in innovation and technology development across countries.

84 data points•Updated 10/6/2026•Global Coverage•Research and development expenditure (% of GDP), World Bank (WB)•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Israel	6.178 %
2	South Korea	4.848 %
3	United States	3.487 %
4	Sweden	3.472 %
5	Japan	3.401 %
6	Belgium	3.196 %
7	Austria	3.178 %
8	Germany	3.071 %
9	Finland	2.982 %
10	Denmark	2.867 %
11	United Kingdom	2.752 %
12	Iceland	2.601 %
13	China	2.495 %
14	France	2.219 %
15	Netherlands	2.175 %
16	Slovenia	2.1 %
17	Czech Republic	1.891 %
18	Canada	1.813 %
19	Singapore	1.808 %
20	Estonia	1.761 %
21	Portugal	1.691 %
22	Norway	1.551 %
23	Ireland	1.532 %
24	Greece	1.477 %
25	Poland	1.442 %
26	Croatia	1.419 %
27	Spain	1.407 %
28	Hungary	1.391 %
29	Italy	1.366 %
30	Turkey	1.323 %
31	Brazil	1.189 %
32	Thailand	1.159 %
33	China, Hong Kong SAR	1.073 %
34	Luxembourg	1.065 %
35	Lithuania	1.053 %
36	Egypt	1.02 %
37	Malaysia	1.012 %
38	Slovakia	0.977 %
39	Serbia	0.919 %
40	Russia	0.915 %
41	Latvia	0.812 %
42	Bulgaria	0.752 %
43	Cyprus	0.705 %
44	Namibia	0.646 %
45	Uruguay	0.622 %
46	South Africa	0.615 %
47	Malta	0.575 %
48	Argentina	0.55 %
49	Belarus	0.475 %
50	Romania	0.463 %
51	China, Macao SAR	0.428 %
52	Saudi Arabia	0.414 %
53	Kenya	0.407 %
54	Chile	0.392 %
55	Congo	0.383 %
56	North Macedonia	0.374 %
57	Cuba	0.36 %
58	Costa Rica	0.338 %
59	Ukraine	0.327 %
60	Mauritius	0.309 %
61	Oman	0.287 %
62	Mexico	0.257 %
63	Georgia	0.235 %
64	Republic of Moldova	0.23 %
65	Armenia	0.21 %
66	Albania	0.2 %
67	Bosnia and Herzegovina	0.187 %
68	Panama	0.183 %
69	Peru	0.162 %
70	Andorra	0.158 %
71	Azerbaijan	0.151 %
72	El Salvador	0.143 %
73	Uzbekistan	0.143 %
74	Turkmenistan	0.14 %
75	Paraguay	0.119 %
76	Kazakhstan	0.117 %
77	Sri Lanka	0.105 %
78	Mongolia	0.084 %
79	Kuwait	0.08 %
80	Kyrgyzstan	0.069 %
81	Trinidad and Tobago	0.05 %
82	Syrian Arab Republic	0.042 %
83	Myanmar	0.035 %
84	Guatemala	0.005 %

↑Top 10 Countries

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

In 2022, Israel led the world in R&D Expenditure (% of GDP) at 6.18%, with the global range spanning from a low of 0.01% to this high. The global context is defined by a median R&D expenditure of 0.75%, illustrating a wide disparity in investment across nations.

Economic Powerhouses and R&D Investment

Countries with robust economies often allocate a significant portion of their GDP to research and development, reflecting their commitment to fostering innovation. South Korea and the United States are prime examples, with R&D expenditures of 4.85% and 3.49% of GDP respectively. These nations view technological advancement as a cornerstone of their economic strategies, driven by strong industrial sectors and high levels of private sector investment. Similarly, Germany and Japan invest 3.07% and 3.40% respectively, underscoring a commitment to maintaining competitive advantages in global markets.

Low R&D Spending: A Developmental Challenge

Conversely, countries at the lower end of the R&D expenditure spectrum often face economic and developmental challenges. For instance, Guatemala reports an R&D expenditure of merely 0.01% of GDP, while Myanmar and the Syrian Arab Republic are similarly low at 0.04% and 0.05% respectively. These figures reflect limited resources and infrastructural constraints that hinder substantial investment in innovation. The low expenditure in these countries may also be a consequence of political instability or lack of industrial diversification, which redirects focus away from long-term R&D goals.

Significant Year-over-Year Changes

Examining year-over-year changes reveals insights into shifting national priorities. Ireland experienced the most significant increase in R&D spending, with a jump of 0.46% or 42.8% compared to the previous year. This surge could be attributed to strategic policy changes aimed at boosting technological sectors. Similarly, Israel and South Korea saw increases of 0.42% and 0.25%, reflecting ongoing commitments to expand their already substantial R&D capabilities.

On the other hand, some countries experienced decreases in R&D expenditure. Norway reported a notable reduction of 0.34% or 17.8%, potentially due to shifts in budgetary priorities or economic constraints. Hungary and Belgium also faced declines of 0.24% and 0.21%, respectively, indicating possible reallocation of resources or economic pressures impacting their R&D budgets.

Policy Implications and Future Prospects

The disparities in R&D expenditure among countries highlight the critical role of national policies in shaping innovation landscapes. Countries like Sweden and Finland, with expenditures of 3.47% and 2.98%, demonstrate the impact of strategic government support and robust education systems in nurturing research ecosystems. In contrast, countries with minimal R&D investment may need to consider policy reforms that prioritize technological development to drive economic growth.

Looking forward, the global economic environment and geopolitical factors will influence national R&D strategies. Nations aiming to enhance their global competitiveness will likely increase their focus on R&D investment, using it as a lever to drive technological advancements and economic resilience. This dynamic underscores the importance of R&D as a critical component of sustainable economic development in the 21st century.

Frequently Asked Questions About R&D Expenditure (% of GDP) in 2022

Which country had the highest R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2022?

Israel had the highest R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2022, with 6.18%.

What was the lowest R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2022?

Guatemala had the lowest R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2022, with 0.01%.

What was the average R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP across all countries in 2022?

The average R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP across all countries in 2022 was 1.15%.

What was the median R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2022?

The median R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2022 was 0.73%.

Which countries were in the top 3 for R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2022?

The top 3 countries for R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2022 were Israel (6.18%), South Korea (4.85%), and the United States (3.49%).

How many countries are included in the R&D expenditure dataset for 2022?

The R&D expenditure dataset for 2022 includes 84 countries.

Insights by country

Chile

In 2022, Chile ranked #54 globally with an R&D Expenditure of 0.39205 % of its GDP. This figure is below the global average, reflecting the country's challenges in fostering innovation compared to regional peers like Argentina, which invests more in research and development. Key drivers behind Chile's relatively low expenditure include a focus on primary industries and limited government funding for scientific initiatives, which hampers the growth of a robust R&D ecosystem.

Kenya

In 2022, Kenya ranked #53 globally with an R&D Expenditure of 0.40651 % of GDP. This figure is below the global average, indicating a need for increased investment in research and development compared to higher-ranked nations. The relatively low expenditure can be attributed to Kenya's developing economy, where funding often prioritizes immediate social services over long-term innovation initiatives. Additionally, challenges such as limited access to advanced technology and infrastructure further hinder R&D growth in the country.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka ranked #77 in R&D Expenditure (% of GDP) with a value of 0.10506 % in 2022. This figure is notably low compared to regional peers, reflecting a broader trend of limited investment in research and development across South Asia.

The country's economic challenges, including recent financial crises and political instability, have constrained public and private funding for innovation. Additionally, a focus on agriculture and traditional industries over technology-driven sectors has further inhibited R&D growth in Sri Lanka.

Cuba

Cuba's R&D Expenditure (% of GDP) in 2022 is 0.36032 %, ranking #57 out of 84 countries. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting the challenges faced by many Caribbean nations in funding research and development. Economic constraints, coupled with a centralized state control over resources, limit investment in innovation and technology sectors.

Estonia

In 2022, Estonia achieved a global rank of #20 with an R&D Expenditure of 1.76094 % of GDP. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting Estonia's commitment to innovation and technology. The country's robust digital infrastructure and supportive government policies foster a thriving startup ecosystem, driving investment in research and development.

Argentina

In 2022, Argentina ranked #48 globally with an R&D Expenditure of 0.54951 % of its GDP. This figure is below the global average, reflecting a significant gap compared to leading countries in research and development. Economic challenges, including inflation and limited funding for innovation, have hindered Argentina's ability to invest more in R&D, impacting its competitiveness in the global market.

Trinidad and Tobago

In 2022, Trinidad and Tobago ranked #81 globally for R&D Expenditure (% of GDP) at 0.05039 %. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, highlighting the country's position near the bottom of the rankings, just above a few other nations. The low expenditure can be attributed to a heavy reliance on the energy sector, which often limits investment in innovation and research initiatives.

China, Macao SAR

In 2022, China, Macao SAR ranked #51 globally with an R&D Expenditure of 0.42754 % of GDP. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting a relatively modest investment in research and development compared to leading economies. The region's unique economic structure, heavily reliant on tourism and gaming, may limit resources allocated to R&D initiatives, impacting its innovation landscape.

Slovakia

In 2022, Slovakia ranked #38 globally with an R&D Expenditure of 0.97686 % of GDP. This figure is notably below the European Union average, indicating potential challenges in innovation capacity compared to its regional peers. The country's investment in research and development is influenced by its industrial base, which is heavily reliant on automotive manufacturing, and a growing emphasis on digital transformation initiatives.

Turkmenistan

In 2022, Turkmenistan ranked #74 globally with an R&D Expenditure of 0.14 % of GDP. This figure is notably lower than many of its regional neighbors, reflecting a general trend of limited investment in research and development across Central Asia. The country's focus on natural gas exports and a centralized economy has diverted resources away from innovation and technological advancement, hindering progress in R&D initiatives.

Data Source

Research and development expenditure (% of GDP), World Bank (WB)

Gross domestic expenditures on research and development (R&D), expressed as a percent of GDP. They include both capital and current expenditures in the four main sectors: Business enterprise, Government, Higher education and Private non-profit. R&D covers basic research, applied research, and experimental development.

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Historical Data by Year

Explore R&D Expenditure (% of GDP) data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

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