Researchers in R&D per Million 2022

Researchers in R&D per million people measures a country's investment in innovation and scientific progress.

82 data points•Updated 10/4/2026•Global Coverage•Number of R&D researchers per million people | Our World in Data•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	South Korea	9,434.762 researchers
2	Denmark	9,037.468 researchers
3	Singapore	8,781.743 researchers
4	Sweden	8,639.244 researchers
5	Finland	8,073.326 researchers
6	Norway	7,394.773 researchers
7	Iceland	6,863.547 researchers
8	Austria	6,632.307 researchers
9	Netherlands	6,319.175 researchers
10	Belgium	5,818.712 researchers
11	Germany	5,801.623 researchers
12	Portugal	5,686.654 researchers
13	Japan	5,629.796 researchers
14	Canada	5,624.269 researchers
15	Ireland	5,554.988 researchers
16	Slovenia	5,370.375 researchers
17	Luxembourg	5,311.531 researchers
18	France	5,181.846 researchers
19	United States	4,937.495 researchers
20	Greece	4,926.781 researchers
21	China, Hong Kong SAR	4,815.201 researchers
22	Hungary	4,725.15 researchers
23	Czech Republic	4,696.686 researchers
24	Estonia	4,654.855 researchers
25	Lithuania	4,153.658 researchers
26	Poland	3,721.072 researchers
27	China, Macao SAR	3,498.486 researchers
28	Spain	3,387.497 researchers
29	Slovakia	3,387.474 researchers
30	Italy	2,795.534 researchers
31	Russia	2,657.937 researchers
32	Bulgaria	2,557.198 researchers
33	Croatia	2,534.424 researchers
34	Turkey	2,478.676 researchers
35	Serbia	2,349.677 researchers
36	Malta	2,313.681 researchers
37	Latvia	2,270.079 researchers
38	Cuba	2,079.082 researchers
39	Thailand	1,863.076 researchers
40	China	1,849.237 researchers
41	Georgia	1,809 researchers
42	Tunisia	1,703.915 researchers
43	Azerbaijan	1,702.313 researchers
44	Cyprus	1,681.072 researchers
45	Belarus	1,434.19 researchers
46	Argentina	1,301.431 researchers
47	Malaysia	1,218.33 researchers
48	Armenia	1,187.434 researchers
49	Romania	998.725 researchers
50	Saudi Arabia	958.189 researchers
51	Uruguay	880.305 researchers
52	Egypt	829.275 researchers
53	Republic of Moldova	768.022 researchers
54	North Macedonia	730.898 researchers
55	Chile	707.056 researchers
56	Kazakhstan	661.695 researchers
57	Ukraine	586.079 researchers
58	Mauritius	578.601 researchers
59	Uzbekistan	543.839 researchers
60	Bosnia and Herzegovina	540.148 researchers
61	Mongolia	535.374 researchers
62	Brunei Darussalam	506.181 researchers
63	Trinidad and Tobago	492.716 researchers
64	Costa Rica	462.474 researchers
65	South Africa	444.163 researchers
66	Albania	428.7 researchers
67	Mexico	401.929 researchers
68	Oman	383.134 researchers
69	Venezuela	350.378 researchers
70	Namibia	224.811 researchers
71	Kuwait	176.259 researchers
72	Kenya	168.605 researchers
73	Panama	142.285 researchers
74	Syrian Arab Republic	139.938 researchers
75	Paraguay	133.196 researchers
76	Congo	126.969 researchers
77	Sri Lanka	94.487 researchers
78	El Salvador	57.618 researchers
79	Togo	43.229 researchers
80	Myanmar	26.397 researchers
81	Dominican Republic	20.038 researchers
82	Guatemala	4.404 researchers

↑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, South Korea led the world in "Researchers in R&D per Million" with a remarkable figure of 9434.76, illustrating its strong commitment to scientific and technological advancement. The global range for this metric spanned from a minimum of 4.40 to a maximum of 9434.76 researchers per million people. The global average was 2682.84 researchers per million, providing a benchmark for assessing national investment in research and development.

Innovation Powerhouses: The Top Performers

The countries leading in researchers per million people, such as South Korea, Denmark (9037.47), and Singapore (8781.74), reflect a high prioritization of R&D within their national agendas. These countries have established robust ecosystems that support innovation, characterized by significant government funding, private sector investment, and a strong emphasis on education and technology. For instance, Sweden and Finland, with figures of 8639.24 and 8073.33 respectively, have long been known for their comprehensive education systems and policies that foster a culture of innovation and collaboration between academia and industry.

Economic and Policy Drivers Behind Low R&D Engagement

At the other end of the spectrum, countries such as Guatemala (4.40), Dominican Republic (20.04), and Myanmar (26.40) have the lowest numbers of researchers per million. These low figures can often be attributed to economic challenges, limited funding for higher education and research, and a focus on addressing more immediate socio-economic issues. In many of these countries, the lack of infrastructure and resources directs national priorities away from R&D, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break without significant policy shifts and international support.

Year-over-Year Trends and Notable Changes

Analyzing the year-over-year trends, Denmark saw the largest increase in researchers per million, with a growth of 1329.23 (17.2%), reflecting efforts to boost its already strong innovation landscape. Singapore and Greece also showed significant increases, with 825.35 (10.4%) and 682.41 (16.1%) respectively. These increases can be linked to strategic investments in technology sectors and government initiatives aimed at attracting talent and fostering research.

Conversely, some regions experienced declines in researcher density. China, Macao SAR and Ukraine saw reductions of 594.04 (-14.5%) and 187.99 (-24.3%) respectively. In Ukraine, geopolitical tensions and economic instability likely contributed to this decrease, impacting funding and the ability to maintain research programs. Meanwhile, Mongolia and Latvia also faced challenges, with reductions of 145.98 (-21.4%) and 125.19 (-5.2%) respectively, possibly due to shifts in government priorities or economic constraints.

The Global Implications of R&D Investment

The disparities in "Researchers in R&D per Million" underscore the importance of strategic investment in research and development as a catalyst for economic growth and innovation. Countries like Norway (7394.77) and Iceland (6863.55) exemplify how focused investment in R&D can foster a competitive advantage in the global market. These nations benefit from a strong research infrastructure, a high level of education, and policies that encourage both public and private sector R&D activities.

For countries at the lower end of the spectrum, increasing the number of researchers per million people may require comprehensive policy reforms and international collaboration. Addressing barriers to education, improving research infrastructure, and fostering a culture of innovation are critical steps. As global challenges such as climate change and health crises demand innovative solutions, the role of researchers becomes ever more vital, highlighting the need for equitable investment in R&D across all nations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Researchers in R&D per Million in 2022

Which country had the highest number of researchers in R&D per million people in 2022?

South Korea had the highest number of researchers in R&D per million people in 2022, with 9,435 researchers.

Which country had the lowest number of researchers in R&D per million people in 2022?

Guatemala had the lowest number of researchers in R&D per million people in 2022, with 4.4 researchers.

What was the average number of researchers in R&D per million people across all countries in 2022?

The average number of researchers in R&D per million people across all countries in 2022 was 2,683 researchers.

What was the median number of researchers in R&D per million people in 2022?

The median number of researchers in R&D per million people in 2022 was 1,756 researchers.

Which countries were in the top 3 for researchers in R&D per million people in 2022?

The top 3 countries for researchers in R&D per million people in 2022 were South Korea, Denmark, and Singapore.

How many countries are included in the dataset for researchers in R&D per million people in 2022?

The dataset includes 82 countries for researchers in R&D per million people in 2022.

Insights by country

Slovenia

In 2022, Slovenia ranked #16 globally with 5370.3745 researchers in R&D per Million. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting Slovenia's strong emphasis on research and innovation. The country's robust educational system, combined with significant government investment in research and development, fosters a highly skilled workforce. Additionally, Slovenia's strategic location in Europe enhances collaboration opportunities with neighboring countries, further driving its R&D capabilities.

Japan

In 2022, Japan ranked #13 globally with 5629.796 researchers in R&D per million people. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting Japan's commitment to innovation and technological advancement. The country's robust investment in research and development, supported by both government and private sector initiatives, drives this high concentration of researchers, particularly in fields such as robotics and pharmaceuticals.

Tunisia

Tunisia ranks #42 globally with 1703.9153 researchers per million in 2022 for Researchers in R&D per Million. This figure is notably higher than the global average, indicating a strong commitment to research and development compared to many peers in the region.

The growth of Tunisia's R&D sector can be attributed to government initiatives aimed at enhancing innovation and education, as well as a relatively young and educated workforce eager to engage in scientific research. Additionally, strategic investments in technology and partnerships with international research institutions have bolstered the country's research capabilities.

Luxembourg

In 2022, Luxembourg ranked #17 globally with 5311.5312 researchers in R&D per million. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting Luxembourg's commitment to innovation and research. The country's robust investment in research and development, supported by its favorable economic policies and a highly educated workforce, drives this impressive statistic.

Togo

Togo ranks #79 globally with 43.2285 researchers in R&D per million in 2022. This figure places Togo near the bottom of the list, ahead of only two other countries. Limited investment in higher education and research infrastructure, coupled with economic challenges, hampers the development of a robust research community in Togo.

Oman

In 2022, Oman ranked #68 globally with 383.13403 researchers in R&D per million people. This figure is significantly lower than many regional peers, indicating a need for increased investment in research and development. Key drivers for this statistic include Oman's focus on diversifying its economy beyond oil dependency and recent government initiatives aimed at enhancing educational and research capabilities.

Ireland

In 2022, Ireland ranked #15 globally with 5554.9883 researchers in R&D per million people. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting Ireland's robust investment in research and development. Key drivers include a strong focus on innovation within its economy, supported by favorable government policies and a vibrant tech sector that attracts talent and funding.

Serbia

In 2022, Serbia ranked #35 globally with 2349.6768 researchers in R&D per million people. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting Serbia's commitment to enhancing its research capabilities. Key drivers of this statistic include government initiatives to support innovation and a growing number of partnerships between academia and industry, which foster a robust research environment.

Congo

Congo ranks #76 globally with 126.96941 researchers in R&D per million in 2022. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, reflecting challenges in research investment compared to higher-ranked countries. The limited number of researchers can be attributed to economic constraints, a lack of infrastructure for scientific research, and insufficient government funding for R&D initiatives.

Belarus

In 2022, Belarus ranked #45 globally with 1434.1901 researchers in R&D per Million. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting a strong emphasis on scientific research within the country. Belarus's robust education system, particularly in STEM fields, and government support for innovation and technology development are key drivers behind this statistic.

Data Source

Number of R&D researchers per million people | Our World in Data

Our World in Data is a research organization that provides comprehensive data on global development issues. The dataset on the number of R&D researchers per million people offers country-level statistics to analyze trends in research and development across different nations.

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Historical Data by Year

Explore Researchers in R&D per Million data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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