5 Countries that Spend the Most on Research and Development

In this article, we will look into the 5 countries that spend the most on research and development. If you want to read our detailed analysis, you can go directly to 20 Countries that Spend the Most on Research and Development.

5. United Kingdom

R&D Expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2021): 2.91%

GDP (2021): $3.14 trillion

Estimated Absolute R&D Spending: $91.56 billion

The United Kingdom is ranked 5th on our list of the countries that spend the most on research and development. In 2021, the country spent $91.56 billion on R&D, accounting for 2.91% of its GDP.

4. Germany

R&D Expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2021): 3.15%

GDP (2021): $4.27 trillion

Estimated Absolute R&D Spending: $134.45 billion

Germany is one of the top spenders on R&D in the world. In 2021, the country spent 3.15% of its GDP or $134.45 billion on research and development. It is ranked 4th on our list.

3. Japan

R&D Expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2021): 3.29%

GDP (2021): $5.03 trillion

Estimated Absolute R&D Spending: $165.93 billion

Japan is ranked 3rd on our list of the countries that spend the most on research and development. In 2021, the country spent $165.93 billion on R&D, accounting for 3.29% of its GDP.

2. China

R&D Expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2021): 2.43%

GDP (2021): $17.82 trillion

Estimated Absolute R&D Spending: $433.50 billion

China is one of the most innovative countries in the world. In 2021, it reported an R&D expenditure of 2.43% of its GDP. The total absolute spending on R&D was $433.5 billion in 2021.

1. United States

R&D Expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2021): 3.46%

GDP (2021): $23.32 trillion

Estimated Absolute R&D Spending: $806.01 billion

The United States tops our list of the countries that spend the most on research and development. In 2021, the country had an R&D intensity of 3.46%. It spent $806 billion on R&D in 2021.

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