Cuba R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
Cuba's r&d spending was 0.17% in 2025, ranked 66th globally. This represents a 53.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Cuba's r&d spending stood at 0.17% in 2025, a decline of +0.19% from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.17% by 2025. Cuba ranked 66th globally.
Cuba's research and development (R&D) spending has experienced significant fluctuations over the past 28 years, with a notable decrease in recent years. At 0.17% of GDP, Cuba's R&D spending ranks #66 globally, mirroring Turkmenistan's exact global rank and value. The country's peak R&D spending of 0.61% occurred in 2009, while the all-time trough of 0.17% was reached in 2025. This decline may be attributed to the country's economic challenges and shifting priorities. In comparison, Panama, which also has a similar R&D spending to GDP ratio, has maintained a relatively stable level of investment in R&D. Cuba's R&D spending has been on a downward trend since its peak, and a sustained economic growth, coupled with government investment in innovation and science, would be essential to alter this trajectory and potentially improve its R&D spending to GDP ratio in the future.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 0.17% | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.17% | −0.19% | #66 |
| 2022 | 0.36% | +0.04% | #53 |
| 2021 | 0.32% | −0.20% | #61 |
| 2020 | 0.52% | −0.03% | #52 |
| 2019 | 0.55% | +0.02% | #57 |
| 2018 | 0.54% | +0.11% | #51 |
| 2017 | 0.43% | +0.09% | #59 |
| 2016 | 0.34% | −0.09% | #61 |
| 2015 | 0.43% | +0.01% | #62 |
| 2014 | 0.42% | −0.06% | #58 |
| 2013 | 0.47% | +0.07% | #56 |
| 2012 | 0.41% | +0.14% | #55 |
| 2011 | 0.27% | −0.34% | #65 |
| 2010 | 0.61% | −0.01% | #46 |
| 2009 | 0.61% | +0.11% | #45 |
Analysis
Cuba's r&d spending was 0.17% in 2025, a decline of −0.19% from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 0.17% by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cuba's r&d spending was 0.17% in 2025. Ranked 66th globally. This represents a 53.8% decrease from the previous year.
Cuba's r&d spending peaked at 0.61% in 2009.
The lowest r&d spending in Cuba was 0.17% in 2025.
Cuba ranks 66th globally in r&d spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Cuba's r&d spending is projected to reach 0.17% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The r&d spending of Cuba in 2025 was 0.17%. This ranks 66th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_cuba_rd-spending,
title = {Cuba R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/cuba/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}