Business expenditure on R&D in telecommunications in Belgium has experienced notable changes from 2013 to 2023. The growth has been relatively modest from 2013 to 2017, but the sector saw substantial increases in 2018 and the subsequent years, peaking in 2020 at 0.068 of GDP. The year 2021 saw a slight increase, followed by a stabilization and a minor decline in 2022 and 2023, where it stood at 0.069 of GDP.
The year-on-year variations highlight significant fluctuations, with a sharp increase in 2018 (57.14%) and more moderate growth thereafter. Noteworthy is the recent five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.64%, reflecting relatively steady growth but with a recent stabilization trend. This contrasts with earlier periods marked by larger percentage changes.
Future trends indicate a slight downward trajectory, with forecasted data suggesting a small decline by 2028, resulting in a five-year forecast CAGR of -0.6%. Businesses should be mindful of potential shifts in funding priorities and market conditions that may influence R&D investments in the telecommunications sector.
Key trends to watch for:
- Potential impacts of technology advancements and rollouts such as 5G and beyond.
- Regulatory changes at the EU and national levels impacting investment patterns.
- Global economic shifts and their influence on R&D funding availability.
