Argentina R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
Argentina's r&d spending was 0.60% in 2025, ranked 46th globally. This represents a 9.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Argentina's r&d spending stood at 0.60% in 2025, a rise of +0.05% from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.60% by 2025. Argentina ranked 46th globally.
Argentina’s gross domestic expenditure on research and development has risen modestly over the 28‑year series, moving from 0.42 % of GDP in 1996 to 0.60 % in 2025, placing the country 46th globally. The indicator reached its all‑time high of 0.63 % in 2012 before slipping to a trough of 0.39 % in 2002, reflecting the volatility of fiscal capacity during the early 2000s crisis and the subsequent recovery. Compared with regional peers, Argentina’s 2025 level exceeds South Africa’s 0.56 % but trails Kenya’s 0.66 % and Malta’s 0.69 %, suggesting room for improvement despite a relatively favourable position within Latin America. The gradual upward trajectory since the early 2000s indicates a growing commitment to innovation, yet the pace remains limited by macro‑economic constraints and public‑sector financing. Strengthening private‑sector R&D incentives and stabilising public budgets could accelerate the upward trend and move Argentina closer to the 1 % target advocated by the OECD.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 0.60% | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.60% | +0.05% | #46 |
| 2022 | 0.55% | +0.03% | #45 |
| 2021 | 0.52% | −0.02% | #51 |
| 2020 | 0.54% | +0.06% | #50 |
| 2019 | 0.48% | −0.01% | #58 |
| 2018 | 0.49% | −0.07% | #56 |
| 2017 | 0.56% | −0.00% | #51 |
| 2016 | 0.56% | −0.06% | #49 |
| 2015 | 0.62% | +0.03% | #49 |
| 2014 | 0.59% | −0.02% | #49 |
| 2013 | 0.62% | −0.02% | #50 |
| 2012 | 0.63% | +0.07% | #48 |
| 2011 | 0.57% | +0.00% | #50 |
| 2010 | 0.56% | −0.02% | #53 |
| 2009 | 0.58% | +0.11% | #46 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Argentina matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw r&d spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Argentina's r&d spending was 0.60% in 2025. Ranked 46th globally. This represents a 9.0% increase from the previous year.
Argentina's r&d spending peaked at 0.63% in 2012.
The lowest r&d spending in Argentina was 0.39% in 2002.
Argentina ranks 46th globally in r&d spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Argentina's r&d spending is projected to reach 0.60% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The r&d spending of Argentina in 2025 was 0.60%. This ranks 46th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_argentina_rd-spending,
title = {Argentina R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/argentina/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}