METRICS
Investing in the Future
As organizations scramble for a competitive edge, R&D spending is rising around the globe.
By Kelsey O'Connor
US$1.9 trillion
Forecast of global R&D spending in 2016—a
US$65 billion ( 3.5%) increase over 2015
Nearly half of R&D projects in 2015 were in just two industries.
The United States dominates global R&D spending—but its lead is narrowing.
LEADING THE WAY
THE GLOBAL PICTURE
2%
2%
3%
3%
24%
21%
16%
11%
11%6%
600
2015 2016 (forecast)
500
400
300
U
S$bi
lli
on
s
200
100
0
of global
researchers said
their R&D budgets
increased over the
past three years.
expect their
R&D budgets
to increase
by 2020. 57% 77%
1. USA
$496.8 $514
2. China
$372.8 $396.3
3. Japan
$164.6 $166.6
4. Germany
$107.4 $109.3
5. South Korea
$74.5 $77.1
Computing and
electronics
Aerospace and
defense
Healthcare
Chemicals and
energy
Consumer
Other
Telecom
Industrials
Software and
internet
