In 2023, the number of total internal R&D personnel in Canada's scientific research and development sector stood at 17.44 thousand FTEs. The forecast from 2024 to 2028 predicts a steady upward trend, rising from 17.63 to 18.42 thousand FTEs. The year-on-year growth is approximately 1.13% between 2024 and 2025 and around 1.07% for subsequent years, culminating in a 5-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 1.10%.

Future trends to watch for:

The increasing integration of AI and automation might alter the scope and skills required for R&D roles.
Government policies and funding related to scientific research could impact future growth rates and personnel distribution.
Global collaboration and partnerships might expand, influencing Canada's R&D landscape significantly.