Spain R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
Spain's r&d spending was 1.62% in 2025, ranked 24th globally. This represents a 13.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Spain's r&d spending stood at 1.62% in 2025, a rise of +0.19% from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.62% by 2025. Spain ranked 24th globally.
Spain's research and development (R&D) spending has shown a steady increase over the past 28 years, with the latest available data indicating a value of 1.62% of its GDP in 2025, placing it at the 24th position globally. This represents a significant improvement from the all-time trough of 0.78% in 1997, marking a notable shift in the country's focus on innovation. In comparison, Canada, which ranks higher with an R&D spending rate of 1.66%, has also experienced a steady upward trend, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in R&D for economic growth. Spain's R&D spending peaked in 2025, and while the country has made notable progress, a decline in government support or a shift in global economic priorities could potentially alter the trajectory of its R&D spending trajectory, highlighting the need for continued investment in this area to maintain momentum.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 1.62% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.62% | +0.19% | #24 |
| 2022 | 1.44% | +0.02% | #24 |
| 2021 | 1.41% | +0.00% | #31 |
| 2020 | 1.41% | +0.16% | #28 |
| 2019 | 1.25% | +0.01% | #34 |
| 2018 | 1.24% | +0.03% | #28 |
| 2017 | 1.21% | +0.02% | #31 |
| 2016 | 1.19% | −0.03% | #28 |
| 2015 | 1.22% | −0.02% | #32 |
| 2014 | 1.24% | −0.03% | #29 |
| 2013 | 1.27% | −0.02% | #28 |
| 2012 | 1.30% | −0.03% | #25 |
| 2011 | 1.33% | −0.03% | #27 |
| 2010 | 1.36% | −0.00% | #25 |
| 2009 | 1.36% | +0.04% | #25 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Spain matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. 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
Spain's r&d spending was 1.62% in 2025. Ranked 24th globally. This represents a 13.1% increase from the previous year.
Spain's r&d spending peaked at 1.62% in 2025.
The lowest r&d spending in Spain was 0.78% in 1997.
Spain ranks 24th globally in r&d spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Spain's r&d spending is projected to reach 1.62% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The r&d spending of Spain in 2025 was 1.62%. This ranks 24th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_spain_rd-spending,
title = {Spain R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/spain/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}