In 2023, the number of self-employed persons in medium-high R&D intensive activities in Germany was approximately 153,000. Forecasts for 2024 and 2025 remain stable at 153,000. However, the number is expected to decrease slightly to 152,000 from 2026 to 2028. This indicates a minimal year-on-year decline of around 0.65% starting in 2026. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the five-year period from 2024 to 2028 is expected to be marginally negative, reflecting stability with a subtle downturn.

Future trends to watch for:

Technological advancements that could drive changes in self-employment within the R&D sector.
Shifts in government policy regarding support for self-employed researchers and entrepreneurs.
Potential economic factors impacting freelance opportunities within R&D-intensive activities.