Iraq R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
Iraq's r&d spending was 0.04% in 2021, ranked 85th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 2007–2021.
Overview
Iraq's r&d spending stood at 0.04% in 2021, a rise of +0.00% from 2020. Iraq ranked 85th globally.
Iraq’s gross domestic expenditure on research and development has remained marginal, recorded at just 0.04 percent of GDP in 2021, placing the country 85th in the world. The 13‑year series shows a modest decline from the earliest observation of 0.05 percent in 2007, with the all‑time peak also at 0.05 percent in 2017 and a low of 0.03 percent in 2019, indicating limited capacity to sustain higher R&D investment. Compared with peers of similar ranking, Iraq lags behind Trinidad and Tobago’s 0.05 percent and Guatemala’s 0.06 percent, reflecting a narrower fiscal base for scientific and technological advancement. The persistent sub‑0.05 percent level suggests structural constraints such as limited private‑sector participation and modest government prioritisation of innovation. Should policy reforms enhance funding mechanisms and encourage industry‑university collaborations, the trajectory could shift upward, allowing Iraq to close the gap with its regional counterparts.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0.04% | +0.00% | #85 |
| 2020 | 0.04% | +0.01% | #87 |
| 2019 | 0.03% | −0.01% | #95 |
| 2018 | 0.04% | −0.00% | #92 |
| 2017 | 0.05% | +0.01% | #91 |
| 2016 | 0.04% | −0.00% | #88 |
| 2015 | 0.04% | +0.00% | #100 |
| 2014 | 0.04% | +0.00% | #89 |
| 2011 | 0.03% | −0.00% | #91 |
| 2010 | 0.04% | −0.01% | #92 |
| 2009 | 0.05% | +0.01% | #92 |
| 2008 | 0.03% | −0.01% | #94 |
| 2007 | 0.05% | – | #92 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Iraq matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2022. 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
Iraq's r&d spending was 0.04% in 2021. Ranked 85th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from the previous year.
Iraq's r&d spending peaked at 0.05% in 2017.
The lowest r&d spending in Iraq was 0.03% in 2019.
Iraq ranks 85th globally in r&d spending as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The r&d spending of Iraq in 2021 was 0.04%. This ranks 85th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_iraq_rd-spending,
title = {Iraq R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/iraq/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}