Hong Kong SAR, China R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
Hong Kong SAR, China's r&d spending was 1.19% in 2025, ranked 31st globally. This represents a 7.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1998–2025.
Overview
Hong Kong SAR, China's r&d spending stood at 1.19% in 2025, a rise of +0.08% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.19% by 2025. Hong Kong SAR, China ranked 31st globally.
Hong Kong SAR, China has witnessed a steady increase in R&D spending over the past 27 years, with the latest figure standing at 1.19% of its GDP, ranking it 31st globally. This steady growth has been a notable trend, particularly when compared to its all-time low of 0.43% in 1998 and its current peak of 1.19% in 2025. In comparison, peer countries such as Lithuania and Egypt, Arab Republic of, have also demonstrated significant R&D spending, with Lithuania ranking 28th globally at 1.22%. The steady increase in R&D spending in Hong Kong SAR, China, is likely driven by the government's efforts to promote innovation and technology development in the region. However, a decline in government support or a shift in global economic trends could potentially alter this trajectory, potentially impacting the region's ability to drive growth through innovation.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1.23% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.19% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.19% | +0.08% | #31 |
| 2023 | 1.10% | +0.03% | #2 |
| 2022 | 1.07% | +0.10% | #30 |
| 2021 | 0.97% | −0.02% | #39 |
| 2020 | 0.99% | +0.07% | #38 |
| 2019 | 0.93% | +0.06% | #42 |
| 2018 | 0.86% | +0.03% | #40 |
| 2017 | 0.84% | +0.04% | #42 |
| 2016 | 0.79% | +0.03% | #39 |
| 2015 | 0.76% | +0.02% | #44 |
| 2014 | 0.74% | +0.01% | #39 |
| 2013 | 0.73% | +0.00% | #42 |
| 2012 | 0.73% | +0.01% | #41 |
| 2011 | 0.72% | −0.03% | #40 |
| 2010 | 0.75% | −0.02% | #37 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Hong Kong SAR, China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. 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
Hong Kong SAR, China's r&d spending was 1.19% in 2025. Ranked 31st globally. This represents a 7.6% increase from the previous year.
Hong Kong SAR, China's r&d spending peaked at 1.19% in 2025.
The lowest r&d spending in Hong Kong SAR, China was 0.43% in 1998.
Hong Kong SAR, China ranks 31st globally in r&d spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Hong Kong SAR, China's r&d spending is projected to reach 1.19% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The r&d spending of Hong Kong SAR, China in 2025 was 1.19%. This ranks 31st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_hong-kong-sar-china_rd-spending,
title = {Hong Kong SAR, China R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/hong-kong-sar-china/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}