Malaysia R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
Malaysia's r&d spending was 0.95% in 2020, ranked 39th globally. This represents a 8.6% decrease from 2019. Data from World Bank, covering 1996–2020.
Overview
Malaysia's r&d spending stood at 0.95% in 2020, a decline of +0.09% from 2018. Malaysia ranked 39th globally.
Malaysia’s gross domestic expenditure on research and development rose from a low of 0.22 percent of GDP in 1996 to an all‑time peak of 1.42 percent in 2016, before easing to 0.95 percent in 2020, placing the country 39th globally. The upward trajectory over the 16‑year span reflects sustained policy emphasis on innovation, yet the post‑peak decline signals challenges in maintaining momentum amid fiscal pressures and shifting industrial priorities. By comparison, Hong Kong SAR and China recorded a combined R&D intensity of 0.99 percent in 2020, while the Russian Federation reached 1.09 percent, underscoring that Malaysia’s current level remains modest relative to several peers with similar rankings. The trough in 1996 and the subsequent rise illustrate the impact of targeted funding programmes, but the recent dip suggests that without renewed incentives or increased private sector participation, the forward path may plateau or regress. Strengthening university‑industry linkages and expanding tax credits could reverse the slowdown and sustain higher R&D spending.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0.95% | −0.09% | #39 |
| 2018 | 1.04% | −0.37% | #35 |
| 2016 | 1.42% | +0.14% | #22 |
| 2015 | 1.28% | +0.02% | #28 |
| 2014 | 1.26% | +0.17% | #28 |
| 2012 | 1.09% | +0.06% | #30 |
| 2011 | 1.03% | −0.00% | #32 |
| 2010 | 1.04% | +0.03% | #31 |
| 2009 | 1.01% | +0.22% | #32 |
| 2008 | 0.79% | +0.18% | #38 |
| 2006 | 0.61% | +0.01% | #42 |
| 2004 | 0.60% | −0.05% | #43 |
| 2002 | 0.65% | +0.18% | #34 |
| 2000 | 0.47% | +0.07% | #42 |
| 1998 | 0.40% | +0.18% | #43 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malaysia 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
Malaysia's r&d spending was 0.95% in 2020. Ranked 39th globally. This represents a 8.6% decrease from the previous year.
Malaysia's r&d spending peaked at 1.42% in 2016.
The lowest r&d spending in Malaysia was 0.22% in 1996.
Malaysia ranks 39th globally in r&d spending as of 2020.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The r&d spending of Malaysia in 2020 was 0.95%. This ranks 39th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malaysia_rd-spending,
title = {Malaysia R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malaysia/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}