As of 2023, the total internal R&D personnel in the UK's manufacture of rubber and plastic products stood at approximately 2.68 thousand full-time equivalents (FTEs). Forecasts indicate a steady year-on-year growth, from 2.75 thousand in 2024 to 3.0 thousand by 2028. This represents an overall CAGR of around 2.28% over the five-year period.

Future trends to watch for:

Impact of technological advancement on R&D demands.
Policy changes affecting R&D funding in the manufacturing sector.
Shifts in global demand influencing UK R&D investments.
Potential skill gaps arising from the evolving demand for specialized R&D personnel.