The forecasted figures for higher education R&D expenditure in natural sciences and engineering in the UK indicate a consistent annual growth from 2024 through 2028, starting at 5.03 billion pounds in 2024 and anticipated to reach 5.25 billion pounds by 2028. As the expenditure was at 4.95 billion pounds in 2023, this reflects modest but steady growth. The year-on-year increase from 2023 to 2024 is approximately 1.6%, with subsequent annual increases hovering around 1.2% to 1.4%, maintaining a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) around 1.3% over this five-year period.

Future Trends to Watch For:

The impact of governmental funding changes and policies on R&D financing.
Evolving university-industry partnerships enhancing innovation and funding.
The influence of economic dynamics such as inflation or economic growth on R&D budgets.
Advancements in technology and interdisciplinary research driving strategic investment in natural sciences and engineering.