From 2013 to 2019, Spain's R&D expenditure as a unit of GDP fluctuated but remained relatively stable around 1.2%. Significant growth started in 2020, reaching 1.41%, a 12.81% increase year-on-year. From there, the upward trend continued, culminating in a forecasted 1.68% by 2028, with a forecasted 5-year CAGR of 1.46%. Notably, the last three years (2023-2025) show an average annual increase of around 3-4%.
Future trends to watch include the consistent annual growth rate in R&D expenditure and its potential in driving innovation and competitiveness. This positive trajectory suggests optimism for Spain’s future investment in research and development.
