The data for 2023 shows China leading significantly with 49,330 personnel in R&D within the apparel manufacturing sector, followed by Italy and South Korea. Over the past year, China saw a 4.64% rise, and South Korea's workforce increased by 6.5%, highlighting ongoing R&D investment. Conversely, Spain, the UK, and Romania faced declines of over 10%, pointing to potential reductions in R&D activities. Also noteworthy, New Zealand experienced a notable increase of 12.47%, although from a smaller base. Over five years, these variations reflect individual country strategies and economic conditions impacting the workforce distribution.
Looking forward, the global trends in apparel R&D could be shaped by technological integrations such as AI and sustainable practices. Key countries, like China and South Korea, are expected to continue expanding their personnel, driven by innovation demands and manufacturing advancements. Conversely, countries with negative growth may need adjustments in strategy or increased investment to maintain competitiveness. Watching these dynamics will be crucial for understanding the future global apparel R&D landscape.
Top countries in Total Internal R&D Personnel in Manufacture of Wearing Apparel by Country
| # | 10 Countries | Units (Full-Time Equivalent) | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 China | 49,330 | 2023 | +4.07% | +4.64% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Italy | 7,670 | 2023 | +3.37% | +2.03% | View data |
| 3 | 3 South Korea | 5,140 | 2023 | +5.05% | +6.5% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Spain | 358.16 | 2023 | -9.02% | -10.04% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Germany | 329 | 2023 | -2.66% | -1.62% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Taiwan | 312.44 | 2023 | +1.1% | +3.95% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Japan | 207 | 2023 | +0.49% | -1.21% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Slovenia | 118.6 | 2023 | +5.24% | +3.89% | View data |
| 9 | 9 United Kingdom | 99.02 | 2023 | +0.79% | -13.63% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Czech Republic | 31.69 | 2023 | -6.18% | -0.81% | View data |
