The total internal R&D personnel in the manufacture of wood, paper, printing, and reproduction in the UK is projected to witness a steady rise from 2024 to 2028. In 2023, the figure stood at approximately 2.91 thousand full-time equivalents. Year-on-year, the personnel count is expected to increase by approximately 4.90% from 2023 to 2024 and maintain a consistent growth pace annually. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the period from 2023 to 2028 is predicted to be around 5.13%, indicating a robust medium-term expansion in R&D personnel.

Future trends to watch include:

Increased adoption of digital printing technologies boosting R&D demands.
Growing sustainability initiatives leading to R&D in eco-friendly materials.
Potential impact of economic conditions on funding and staffing in R&D activities.