The number of persons employed in medium-high R&D intensive activities in the UK was 1.55 million in 2023. From 2024 onwards, employment in this sector is forecasted to grow moderately, peaking at 1.65 million by 2028. The annual growth rate is consistent at around 1.3% from 2024 to 2028. Over the five-year horizon, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is approximately 1.28%.

Future trends to watch for:

Technological advancements could accelerate employment growth in R&D intensive sectors.
Government policy changes might influence R&D funding, affecting job numbers.
Global economic conditions and innovation demand could further impact employment trends.