Macao SAR, China R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
Macao SAR, China's r&d spending was 0.36% in 2025, ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 37.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2001–2025.
Overview
Macao SAR, China's r&d spending stood at 0.36% in 2025, a rise of +0.10% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.36% by 2025. Macao SAR, China ranked 53rd globally.
Macao SAR’s research and development expenditure has risen from 0.06 percent of GDP in 2001 to 0.36 percent in 2025, placing it 53rd globally and matching Oman’s current level. The upward trajectory accelerated after a historic low of 0.04 percent in 2011, reaching an all‑time peak of 0.45 percent in 2020 before moderating to the 2025 figure. Over the 24‑year series, the modest but persistent increase reflects the region’s gradual diversification from a tourism‑dominated economy toward knowledge‑intensive services, yet the level remains well below the 0.39 percent recorded by Saudi Arabia and far from the thresholds typical of advanced innovators. Continued policy emphasis on high‑technology clusters and greater integration with mainland research institutions could sustain the recent gains, while any reversal in fiscal support or external shocks to the gambling sector would likely curb further progress.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.36% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.36% | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.36% | +0.10% | #53 |
| 2023 | 0.26% | −0.17% | #14 |
| 2022 | 0.44% | +0.06% | #49 |
| 2021 | 0.37% | −0.08% | #57 |
| 2020 | 0.45% | +0.21% | #55 |
| 2019 | 0.25% | +0.05% | #73 |
| 2018 | 0.20% | +0.03% | #71 |
| 2017 | 0.17% | −0.06% | #78 |
| 2016 | 0.23% | +0.10% | #68 |
| 2015 | 0.14% | +0.05% | #87 |
| 2014 | 0.09% | +0.04% | #86 |
| 2013 | 0.05% | +0.00% | #93 |
| 2012 | 0.05% | +0.00% | #83 |
| 2011 | 0.04% | −0.01% | #87 |
| 2010 | 0.05% | −0.00% | #89 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Macao SAR, China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2011. 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
Macao SAR, China's r&d spending was 0.36% in 2025. Ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 37.1% increase from the previous year.
Macao SAR, China's r&d spending peaked at 0.45% in 2020.
The lowest r&d spending in Macao SAR, China was 0.04% in 2011.
Macao SAR, China ranks 53rd globally in r&d spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Macao SAR, China's r&d spending is projected to reach 0.36% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The r&d spending of Macao SAR, China in 2025 was 0.36%. This ranks 53rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_macao-sar-china_rd-spending,
title = {Macao SAR, China R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/macao-sar-china/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}