Domestic spending on research and development as a share of GDP, 1996–2018 (%)

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Research spending is growing

More than 30 countries raised their research spending between 2014 and 2018. Although research expenditure rose in most regions between 2014 and 2018 (see Figure 1.2), 80% of countries still invest less than 1% of GDP in R&D. The G20 countries still account for nine-tenths of research expenditure, researchers, publications and patents.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, research spending as a share of GDP may see a mechanical rise as the GDP of many countries declines. It remains to be seen whether countries will maintain stable investment in research in monetary terms.

Note: Data are not available for all countries. 

Source: UNESCO Science Report: the Race Against Time for Smarter Development (2021), data sourced from UNESCO Institute for Statistics and animated by Values Associates 