In 2023, higher education expenditure on R&D in natural sciences and engineering in Canada stood at an actual amount prior to the forecasted increase. Forecasted figures show expenditures of 12.63 billion CAD for 2024, progressing to 13.41 billion CAD in 2028. The forecast period reveals a steady annual growth, with anticipated year-on-year variations demonstrating this upward trend. Over the five-year forecast, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) indicates a moderate, yet consistent increase in investment towards these sectors.

Future trends to watch for include:

Integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing in R&D processes.
Increased focus on sustainable and clean technologies to address climate change.
Collaborations between higher education institutions and industries to foster innovation.