In 2024, Germany leads global higher education R&D spending in social sciences with $4.8 billion, surpassing the UK at $3.48 billion. Italy follows at $2.09 billion, and Spain at $2.01 billion. The Netherlands invests $1.49 billion, while Poland shows rapid growth with a 14.78% surge in 2023. South Korea and Russia maintain moderate levels around the $0.8 billion mark. Smaller European nations exhibit varied growth; Lithuania, Iceland, Slovenia, and Latvia grew significantly, while Estonia's spending dipped.
Future trends to watch include central and eastern European countries like Poland, Lithuania, and Romania, which may continue experiencing above-average growth. Monitoring investments in innovative areas such as data analysis and public policy could provide insights into evolving educational priorities globally. Additionally, geopolitical dynamics and digital education advancements will likely shape future R&D funding patterns in social sciences.
Top countries in Higher Education Expenditure on R&D in Social Sciences by Country
| # | 10 Countries | Million US Dollars PPP | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Germany | 4,800 | 2023 | +3.82% | +4.36% | View data |
| 2 | 2 United Kingdom | 3,480 | 2023 | +1.82% | +1.56% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Italy | 2,090 | 2023 | +2.08% | +3.77% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Spain | 2,010 | 2023 | +3.05% | +4.37% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Netherlands | 1,490 | 2023 | +2.29% | +5.77% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Poland | 1,270 | 2023 | +9.04% | +14.78% | View data |
| 7 | 7 South Korea | 823.53 | 2023 | +3.06% | +5.67% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Russia | 812.17 | 2023 | +3.33% | +2.76% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Norway | 781.83 | 2023 | +2.72% | +4.01% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Finland | 513.17 | 2023 | +2.82% | +2.98% | View data |
