In 2023, the total internal R&D personnel in the UK’s professional, scientific, and technical activities stood at approximately 80.34 thousand full-time equivalents. Forecasts from 2024 to 2028 show a consistent growth trend, with numbers increasing from 82.22 thousand to 89.67 thousand. Year-on-year growth rates reveal a gradual increase averaging around 2% annually, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the five-year period projected to be around 2.2%.

Looking ahead, trends to watch for include:

The increasing digitalization and technological advancements could further boost demand for R&D professionals.
Policy changes and government funding in STEM fields might impact R&D personnel needs.
Global economic shifts or sector-specific disruptions may influence forecast adjustments.