Hungary R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
Hungary's r&d spending was 1.49% in 2025, ranked 25th globally. This represents a 7.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Hungary's r&d spending stood at 1.49% in 2025, a rise of +0.10% from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.49% by 2025. Hungary ranked 25th globally.
Hungary's research and development (R&D) spending has demonstrated a notable upward trend over the past three decades. Since 1996, when R&D expenditure stood at 0.63% of GDP, Hungary has made significant strides, with the all-time peak of 1.64% reached in 2021. Although the country's R&D spending has experienced fluctuations, it has consistently ranked among the top 30 globally, with a current position of 25th. Notably, Hungary's R&D spending has surpassed that of its peer country, Türkiye, which ranked 6th globally in 2021. As of 2025, Hungary's R&D spending stands at 1.49% of GDP, a decline from the 2021 peak but still a remarkable improvement from the 1996 trough. A continued investment in R&D would likely be crucial for Hungary's economic growth and competitiveness, potentially leading to a reversal of the slight decline observed in recent years.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 1.49% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.49% | +0.10% | #25 |
| 2022 | 1.39% | −0.25% | #26 |
| 2021 | 1.64% | +0.05% | #25 |
| 2020 | 1.59% | +0.12% | #24 |
| 2019 | 1.47% | −0.03% | #26 |
| 2018 | 1.51% | +0.19% | #22 |
| 2017 | 1.32% | +0.14% | #27 |
| 2016 | 1.18% | −0.16% | #29 |
| 2015 | 1.34% | −0.01% | #26 |
| 2014 | 1.34% | −0.04% | #24 |
| 2013 | 1.38% | +0.13% | #25 |
| 2012 | 1.25% | +0.07% | #27 |
| 2011 | 1.18% | +0.05% | #30 |
| 2010 | 1.13% | +0.00% | #30 |
| 2009 | 1.13% | +0.15% | #30 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Hungary matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2023. 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
Hungary's r&d spending was 1.49% in 2025. Ranked 25th globally. This represents a 7.2% increase from the previous year.
Hungary's r&d spending peaked at 1.64% in 2021.
The lowest r&d spending in Hungary was 0.63% in 1996.
Hungary ranks 25th globally in r&d spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Hungary's r&d spending is projected to reach 1.49% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The r&d spending of Hungary in 2025 was 1.49%. This ranks 25th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_hungary_rd-spending,
title = {Hungary R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/hungary/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}