Romania R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
Romania's r&d spending was 0.43% in 2025, ranked 49th globally. This represents a 5.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Romania's r&d spending stood at 0.43% in 2025, a decline of +0.03% from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.43% by 2025. Romania ranked 49th globally.
Romania's research and development (R&D) spending has remained relatively stable over the past two and a half decades, with a current global ranking of 49. At its peak in 1996, Romania's R&D spending reached 0.67 percent of its GDP, while the trough occurred in 2000 at 0.37 percent. Although it has not returned to its peak levels, Romania's R&D spending has shown a consistent upward trend, with a notable increase in the recent years, currently standing at 0.43 percent. In comparison, other Eastern European countries such as Belarus have maintained a higher R&D spending ratio, at 0.50 percent, while North Macedonia lags behind at 0.40 percent. The slow increase in R&D spending in Romania may be attributed to various factors, including a lack of significant government investment in scientific research. A significant shift in government policy or increased investment in education and research infrastructure could alter the trajectory of Romania's R&D spending, potentially propelling it towards a higher global ranking.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 0.43% | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.43% | −0.03% | #49 |
| 2022 | 0.46% | −0.01% | #48 |
| 2021 | 0.47% | +0.01% | #52 |
| 2020 | 0.47% | −0.01% | #54 |
| 2019 | 0.48% | −0.02% | #59 |
| 2018 | 0.50% | −0.01% | #55 |
| 2017 | 0.51% | +0.02% | #55 |
| 2016 | 0.49% | +0.00% | #53 |
| 2015 | 0.49% | +0.11% | #57 |
| 2014 | 0.38% | −0.01% | #59 |
| 2013 | 0.39% | −0.07% | #63 |
| 2012 | 0.46% | −0.01% | #53 |
| 2011 | 0.47% | +0.03% | #53 |
| 2010 | 0.45% | +0.00% | #56 |
| 2009 | 0.44% | −0.11% | #57 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Romania matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2023. 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
Romania's r&d spending was 0.43% in 2025. Ranked 49th globally. This represents a 5.5% decrease from the previous year.
Romania's r&d spending peaked at 0.67% in 1996.
The lowest r&d spending in Romania was 0.37% in 2000.
Romania ranks 49th globally in r&d spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Romania's r&d spending is projected to reach 0.43% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The r&d spending of Romania in 2025 was 0.43%. This ranks 49th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_romania_rd-spending,
title = {Romania R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/romania/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}