Global AveragesGlobal Averages

    Global Average R&D Spending

    Last updated: February 6, 2026

    2.1%

    % of GDP

    The global average R&D spending is approximately 2.1% of GDP. Israel leads at 5.6%, followed by South Korea (4.9%) and Sweden (3.4%). The US spends 3.5% while China has rapidly increased to 2.4%. Total global R&D exceeds $2.5 trillion annually.

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    Historical Trend

    Source: UNESCO

    Global Average R&D Spending by Country

    Country Value (% of GDP) ↓Source
    South Korea4.9KISTEP
    United States3.5NSF
    Switzerland3.4BFS
    Japan3.3MEXT
    Germany3.1BMBF
    China2.4NBS
    France2.2MESRI
    Australia1.8ABS
    United Kingdom1.7ONS
    Canada1.7StatCan
    Brazil1.2MCTIC
    Russia1Rosstat
    Saudi Arabia0.9KACST
    India0.7DST
    Nigeria0.1NBS

    Why This Average Exists

    R&D spending is strongly correlated with innovation output, economic competitiveness, and long-term productivity growth.

    Factors That Affect Global Average R&D Spending

    • Government policy
    • Corporate investment
    • Tax incentives
    • University system strength
    • Patent protection
    • Talent availability

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Methodology & Data Sources

    The data presented on this page is compiled from publicly available datasets published by international organizations including the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations, NASA, and national statistical agencies.

    Global averages are calculated using population-weighted or arithmetic means depending on the metric. Country-level data reflects the most recent available figures, typically from 2024–2024. Where gaps exist, the latest available data point is used.

    All figures are subject to revision as source organizations update their datasets. For the most authoritative data, we encourage consulting the original sources linked in the table above.

    Further Reading