Malta R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
Malta's r&d spending was 0.69% in 2025, ranked 44th globally. This represents a 13.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2002–2025.
Overview
Malta's r&d spending stood at 0.69% in 2025, a rise of +0.08% from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.69% by 2025. Malta ranked 44th globally.
Malta’s gross domestic expenditure on research and development (R&D) has risen steadily over the 22‑year span from 0.25 percent of GDP in 2002 to 0.69 percent in 2025, placing the small island nation at 44th position globally. The upward trajectory accelerated after the all‑time trough of 0.24 percent recorded in 2003, culminating in a peak of 0.80 percent in 2012 before settling at the current level. Compared with peers of similar ranking, Malta’s 2025 figure exceeds Kenya’s 0.66 percent but remains below Uruguay’s 0.74 percent and Bulgaria’s 0.76 percent, underscoring a moderate but competitive stance in the international R&D landscape. The consistent growth reflects targeted policy incentives and expanding higher‑education capacity, yet the modest gap to the peak suggests room for further intensification. Continued investment in innovation ecosystems and stronger industry‑university linkages could lift Malta’s R&D intensity beyond the 2025 level and narrow the distance to higher‑ranking peers.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 0.69% | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.69% | +0.08% | #44 |
| 2022 | 0.60% | −0.05% | #44 |
| 2021 | 0.65% | +0.01% | #48 |
| 2020 | 0.65% | +0.09% | #47 |
| 2019 | 0.56% | −0.01% | #56 |
| 2018 | 0.57% | +0.02% | #50 |
| 2017 | 0.55% | −0.00% | #52 |
| 2016 | 0.56% | −0.16% | #50 |
| 2015 | 0.72% | +0.02% | #47 |
| 2014 | 0.69% | −0.05% | #43 |
| 2013 | 0.74% | −0.06% | #40 |
| 2012 | 0.80% | +0.14% | #37 |
| 2011 | 0.67% | +0.08% | #48 |
| 2010 | 0.59% | +0.08% | #50 |
| 2009 | 0.51% | −0.02% | #50 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malta matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. 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
Malta's r&d spending was 0.69% in 2025. Ranked 44th globally. This represents a 13.4% increase from the previous year.
Malta's r&d spending peaked at 0.80% in 2012.
The lowest r&d spending in Malta was 0.24% in 2003.
Malta ranks 44th globally in r&d spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malta's r&d spending is projected to reach 0.69% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The r&d spending of Malta in 2025 was 0.69%. This ranks 44th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malta_rd-spending,
title = {Malta R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malta/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}