In 2023, the total internal R&D personnel in Japan's manufacture of basic iron and steel, and casting of iron and steel stood slightly above 6.27 thousand full-time equivalents. Forecasts indicate a gradual decrease from 2024 to 2028, with the personnel numbers declining from 6.27 to 6.22 thousand full-time equivalents. This marks a modest decline, with each year witnessing an approximate 0.16% decrease, resulting in a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around -0.20% over this period.

Future trends to watch for include:

Technological advancements in production processes that could impact R&D requirements.
Potential shifts in industry demand driven by environmental policies and market dynamics.
Strategic focus on automation and digital transformation within the sector.