The forecasted data suggests a steady increase in total internal R&D personnel within the UK's chemical manufacturing sector from 2024 to 2028, growing from 6.05 to 6.44 thousand FTEs. In 2023, the figure was slightly below 6 thousand, indicating a positive trajectory in R&D investment and employment. The year-on-year growth rate hovers around 1.5%, while the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the forecast period aligns at approximately 1.5% annually, reflecting consistent incremental growth.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Innovation in sustainable chemical production methods.
- Impact of regulatory changes and their influence on R&D staff necessities.
- Advancements in digital and automation technologies within chemical factories.
