Moldova R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
Moldova's r&d spending was 0.22% in 2025, ranked 58th globally. This represents a 3.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Moldova's r&d spending stood at 0.22% in 2025, a decline of +0.01% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.22% by 2025. Moldova ranked 58th globally.
Moldova’s gross domestic expenditure on research and development has fallen sharply over the past three decades, declining from a high of 0.87 percent of GDP in 1996 to just 0.22 percent in 2025, placing the country 58th globally. This 24‑year slide represents a reduction of more than three‑quarters of its R&D intensity and marks the all‑time trough for the indicator. By contrast, regional peers such as Georgia (0.21 percent) and Costa Rica (0.23 percent) are clustered only slightly above Moldova’s current level, while Mexico remains modestly higher at 0.25 percent. The persistent downward trajectory suggests structural constraints, including limited private sector participation and modest public funding allocations, have outweighed any incremental policy efforts. If Moldova expands fiscal support for innovation, improves university‑industry linkages, and attracts foreign research investment, the current decline could be halted and a modest upward shift in R&D spending may emerge in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.21% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.22% | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.22% | −0.01% | #58 |
| 2023 | 0.22% | −0.01% | #17 |
| 2022 | 0.23% | −0.00% | #60 |
| 2021 | 0.23% | −0.00% | #67 |
| 2020 | 0.24% | −0.01% | #67 |
| 2019 | 0.24% | −0.01% | #74 |
| 2018 | 0.26% | −0.00% | #67 |
| 2017 | 0.26% | −0.02% | #70 |
| 2016 | 0.28% | −0.03% | #65 |
| 2015 | 0.31% | −0.01% | #73 |
| 2014 | 0.31% | +0.02% | #64 |
| 2013 | 0.30% | −0.05% | #69 |
| 2012 | 0.35% | +0.01% | #58 |
| 2011 | 0.34% | −0.03% | #61 |
| 2010 | 0.37% | −0.16% | #64 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Moldova matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw r&d spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Moldova's r&d spending was 0.22% in 2025. Ranked 58th globally. This represents a 3.5% decrease from the previous year.
Moldova's r&d spending peaked at 0.87% in 1996.
The lowest r&d spending in Moldova was 0.22% in 2025.
Moldova ranks 58th globally in r&d spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Moldova's r&d spending is projected to reach 0.22% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The r&d spending of Moldova in 2025 was 0.22%. This ranks 58th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_moldova_rd-spending,
title = {Moldova R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/moldova/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}