UK private sector research investment up by three per cent

Brussels, 01 Dec 2003

Expenditure on research and development (R&D) within the UK's private sector increased by three per cent in 2002 to 13.1 billion GBP (18.8 billion euro).

The sector with the highest R&D spending was pharmaceuticals, accounting for 25 per cent of the total amount. Other major sectors included aerospace, with ten per cent, and audiovisual and communications equipment with seven per cent.

Of the total amount spent on research in UK enterprises, 59 per cent was invested by UK companies themselves, came from businesses abroad, and the government accounted for seven per cent of the total.

The overall figures for research spending within UK firms in 2002 represented approximately 1.2 per cent of the country's GDP.

To read the report, please consult the following web address:
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/berd 1103.pdf

CORDIS RTD-NEWS / © European Communities