Pakistan R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
Pakistan's r&d spending was 0.14% in 2025, ranked 70th globally. This represents a 15.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1997–2025.
Overview
Pakistan's r&d spending stood at 0.14% in 2025, a decline of +0.03% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.14% by 2025. Pakistan ranked 70th globally.
Pakistan's research and development (R&D) spending has demonstrated a notable volatility over the past 17 years. At its peak in 2007, the country allocated 0.52 percent of its GDP towards R&D, significantly higher than its current rate of 0.14 percent in 2025. Conversely, the trough occurred in 2000, with a paltry 0.10 percent allocation. This wide fluctuation suggests a lack of sustained commitment to innovation and technological advancements in the country. Compared to its peers, Pakistan's R&D spending is on par with Kazakhstan's 0.14 percent allocation. Notably, El Salvador, with a lower R&D allocation of 0.13 percent, has still managed to show a more stable trend. To reverse the downward trajectory and align with its regional peers, Pakistan will need to prioritize investments in education and innovation infrastructure, such as universities and research institutions, in order to stimulate economic growth and competitiveness.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.13% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.14% | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.14% | −0.03% | #70 |
| 2023 | 0.16% | −0.00% | #21 |
| 2021 | 0.16% | −0.01% | #73 |
| 2019 | 0.17% | −0.04% | #80 |
| 2017 | 0.21% | −0.01% | #73 |
| 2015 | 0.22% | −0.04% | #78 |
| 2013 | 0.26% | −0.04% | #71 |
| 2011 | 0.30% | −0.10% | #64 |
| 2009 | 0.40% | −0.12% | #61 |
| 2007 | 0.52% | +0.19% | #48 |
| 2005 | 0.33% | +0.17% | #60 |
| 2002 | 0.16% | +0.04% | #76 |
| 2001 | 0.12% | +0.03% | #72 |
| 2000 | 0.10% | −0.02% | #72 |
| 1999 | 0.12% | +0.01% | #66 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Pakistan 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
Pakistan's r&d spending was 0.14% in 2025. Ranked 70th globally. This represents a 15.7% decrease from the previous year.
Pakistan's r&d spending peaked at 0.52% in 2007.
The lowest r&d spending in Pakistan was 0.10% in 2000.
Pakistan ranks 70th globally in r&d spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Pakistan's r&d spending is projected to reach 0.14% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The r&d spending of Pakistan in 2025 was 0.14%. This ranks 70th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_pakistan_rd-spending,
title = {Pakistan R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/pakistan/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}