The total internal R&D personnel in data processing, hosting, and related activities, including web portals in the UK, is projected to increase from 2.67 thousand FTEs in 2024 to 2.86 thousand FTEs by 2028. This represents a steady year-on-year growth rate, reflecting incremental increases averaging approximately 1.8% annually. The upward trend since 2023 indicates a sustained investment in R&D staffing to support digital infrastructure and innovation amid ongoing technological advancements.

Future trends to watch for include:

Increased focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning, necessitating skilled R&D personnel.
Growth in cloud computing and data analytics, driving demand for specialized research roles.
Potential impact of economic and regulatory changes on R&D budgets and staffing levels.