Iceland R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
Iceland's r&d spending was 3.26% in 2025, ranked 8th globally. This represents a 25.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1997–2025.
Overview
Iceland's r&d spending stood at 3.26% in 2025, a rise of +0.66% from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 3.26% by 2025. Iceland ranked 8th globally.
Iceland's research and development spending has witnessed a significant increase over the past two decades, with the country's R&D expenditure reaching a peak of 3.26% of its GDP in 2025, surpassing that of several of its peer countries such as Austria and Finland. Notably, Iceland's R&D spending has more than doubled since its all-time low of 1.69% in 2013, largely driven by the country's efforts to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on the fishing industry. This upward trend is also evident when compared to other countries, with Iceland's R&D spending ranking eighth globally, ahead of several developed countries. The World Bank data indicates that Iceland's R&D spending has been steadily increasing since 1997, with a notable acceleration in recent years. With a strong focus on innovation and technology, Iceland is poised to continue its upward trajectory in R&D spending, potentially benefiting from increased investment in renewable energy and sustainable technologies, which could solidify the country's position as a leader in these sectors.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 3.26% | - | - |
| 2025 | 3.26% | +0.66% | #8 |
| 2022 | 2.60% | −0.18% | #11 |
| 2021 | 2.78% | +0.29% | #12 |
| 2020 | 2.49% | +0.15% | #12 |
| 2019 | 2.34% | +0.34% | #14 |
| 2018 | 2.00% | −0.08% | #17 |
| 2017 | 2.08% | −0.03% | #17 |
| 2016 | 2.11% | −0.07% | #15 |
| 2015 | 2.18% | +0.25% | #15 |
| 2014 | 1.94% | +0.24% | #19 |
| 2013 | 1.69% | −0.71% | #21 |
| 2011 | 2.40% | −0.19% | #11 |
| 2009 | 2.60% | +0.13% | #9 |
| 2008 | 2.46% | −0.07% | #12 |
| 2007 | 2.53% | −0.32% | #7 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Iceland matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2016. 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
Iceland's r&d spending was 3.26% in 2025. Ranked 8th globally. This represents a 25.4% increase from the previous year.
Iceland's r&d spending peaked at 3.26% in 2025.
The lowest r&d spending in Iceland was 1.69% in 2013.
Iceland ranks 8th globally in r&d spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Iceland's r&d spending is projected to reach 3.26% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The r&d spending of Iceland in 2025 was 3.26%. This ranks 8th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_iceland_rd-spending,
title = {Iceland R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/iceland/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}