In 2023, the number of self-employed persons in medium-high R&D intensive activities stood at around 208,000. From 2024 to 2028, forecasts indicate a steady year-on-year growth of approximately 1,000 individuals annually. This translates to an average annual growth rate of roughly 0.48% (CAGR) over the forecasted period.

Future trends to watch for include:

Technological advancements potentially increasing opportunities for self-employed individuals in R&D sectors.
The impact of government policies and funding on self-employment in R&D intensive areas.
Changes in educational and skill requirements due to evolving industry needs.