In 2023, Germany led European higher education expenditure on R&D in natural sciences and engineering with 52.9 million euros, followed by the Netherlands at 14.03 million euros and Italy at 13.83 million euros. Year-on-year growth showed notable increases in smaller countries: Slovakia (9.64%), Lithuania (9.28%), and Slovenia (8.61%). The Netherlands and Estonia also demonstrated significant gains, each over 5%. Historical compound annual growth rates continued to reflect varied enthusiasm across countries, with Central European and Baltic nations ramping up their investment trajectories.
Future trends indicate potential for increased emphasis on cross-border collaborations and interdisciplinary research as European countries seek to strengthen their innovation landscapes. Factors such as regional policies, technological advancements, and talent mobility will be pivotal in shaping investment strategies in Germany and smaller, swiftly growing economies. This could redistribute R&D expenditure shares by country, fostering a more balanced research environment across Europe.
Top countries in Higher Education Expenditure on R&D in Natural Sciences and Engineering Share by Country (Million Euros)
| # | 10 Countries | Percent | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Germany | 52.9 | 2023 | +3.49% | +3.86% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Netherlands | 14.03 | 2023 | +3.73% | +5.78% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Italy | 13.83 | 2023 | +1.57% | +2.18% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Spain | 10.08 | 2023 | +5.09% | +5.28% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Finland | 3.95 | 2023 | +1.99% | +2.18% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Portugal | 2.76 | 2023 | +2.45% | +2.33% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Slovakia | 0.63 | 2023 | +3.84% | +9.64% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Lithuania | 0.51 | 2023 | +3.33% | +9.28% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Estonia | 0.5 | 2023 | +3.33% | +5.64% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Slovenia | 0.38 | 2023 | +5.11% | +8.61% | View data |
