Business R&D in Europe: trends in expenditures, researcher numbers and related policies

Abstract

In 2002, The European Union adopted in Barcelona a R&D investment target aiming at a R&D intensity of 3% in 2010 with 2% stemming from the business sector. In order to achieve this target, R&D policy makers are requested to design and implement an appropriate policy mix for supporting and promoting enhanced R&D expenditures of the business sector. Statistical data on Business expenditures on R&D (BERD) and number of researchers in the business sector are key sources for informing policy makers about trends in business sector R&D. This report presents and analyses available statistical data on BERD and number of researchers on both, sectoral and EU Member State level in order to identify learnings for R&D policy makers. In addition, the paper presents a methodological approach for linking information on R&D policy measures aiming to enhance business sector R&D investments with statistical data, notably between R&D policy information presented in the ERAWATCH research inventory and relevant statistical categories i.e. government funding of BERD (GBERD) and the GBAORD chapter on "Industrial production, and technology"