In 2023, China led with the most R&D personnel in the business sector, significantly ahead with strong growth, followed by the United States and Japan. South Korea, Germany, and France showed moderate increments, while Italy experienced a decline. Noteworthy growth came from Belgium, Portugal, and New Zealand, driven by governmental incentives and tech advancements. Traditional R&D powerhouses such as the United States and Germany maintained steady growth, indicating stable innovation ecosystems.
Key future trends to monitor include increasing R&D investments in China and emerging markets, scaling digital innovation in smaller economies, and potential shifts due to geopolitical influences and global economic conditions.
Top countries in Total R&D Personnel in the Business Enterprise Sector by Country
| # | 10 Countries | Units (Full-Time Equivalent) | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 China | 5,263,200 | 2023 | +8.2% | +8.97% | View data |
| 2 | 2 United States | 1,919,800 | 2023 | +2.74% | +3.47% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Japan | 654,390 | 2023 | +0.97% | +1.37% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Germany | 498,850 | 2023 | +2.11% | +2.03% | View data |
| 5 | 5 South Korea | 483,310 | 2023 | +4.18% | +4.74% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Russia | 317,900 | 2023 | -5.08% | -2.42% | View data |
| 7 | 7 France | 315,390 | 2023 | +2.26% | +2.66% | View data |
| 8 | 8 United Kingdom | 288,690 | 2023 | +2.54% | +2.91% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Taiwan | 242,560 | 2023 | +3.17% | +3.58% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Canada | 175,020 | 2023 | +1.04% | +2.01% | View data |