Austria R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
Austria's r&d spending was 3.35% in 2025, ranked 7th globally. This represents a 4.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Austria's r&d spending stood at 3.35% in 2025, a rise of +0.15% from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 3.35% by 2025. Austria ranked 7th globally.
Austria's research and development spending has risen significantly over the past three decades, increasing from 1.58 percent of GDP in 1996 to 3.35 percent in 2025, the highest level recorded during this 28-year period. This upward trajectory places Austria seventh globally in R&D intensity, surpassing peer innovators such as Finland (3.19) and Iceland (3.26), though slightly below Sweden (3.50) and Japan (3.49). The consistent rise in investment reflects long-term policy emphasis on technological advancement and innovation-driven growth, particularly within industrial and environmental technologies. The 2025 figure marks both a record high and a notable milestone, nearly doubling the initial spending level observed in 1996. Sustained public and private sector commitment has been instrumental in this progress, with stable funding mechanisms and incentives for corporate R&D playing a central role. Looking ahead, further gains will depend on maintaining financial support, expanding collaboration between academia and industry, and adapting to emerging global technological challenges. Any reversal in funding or shifts in political priorities could slow or stall the current upward trend.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 3.35% | - | - |
| 2025 | 3.35% | +0.15% | #7 |
| 2022 | 3.20% | −0.06% | #7 |
| 2021 | 3.26% | +0.06% | #8 |
| 2020 | 3.20% | +0.07% | #7 |
| 2019 | 3.13% | +0.04% | #10 |
| 2018 | 3.09% | +0.04% | #6 |
| 2017 | 3.06% | −0.06% | #6 |
| 2016 | 3.12% | +0.07% | #4 |
| 2015 | 3.05% | −0.03% | #7 |
| 2014 | 3.08% | +0.13% | #6 |
| 2013 | 2.95% | +0.04% | #7 |
| 2012 | 2.91% | +0.25% | #7 |
| 2011 | 2.67% | −0.06% | #9 |
| 2010 | 2.73% | +0.13% | #8 |
| 2009 | 2.60% | +0.03% | #10 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Austria matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw r&d spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Austria's r&d spending was 3.35% in 2025. Ranked 7th globally. This represents a 4.7% increase from the previous year.
Austria's r&d spending peaked at 3.35% in 2025.
The lowest r&d spending in Austria was 1.58% in 1996.
Austria ranks 7th globally in r&d spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Austria's r&d spending is projected to reach 3.35% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The r&d spending of Austria in 2025 was 3.35%. This ranks 7th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_austria_rd-spending,
title = {Austria R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/austria/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}