R&D intensity
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Expenditure for research and development stands at 7.9 billion euro
Expenditure for research and development (R&D) in the Flemish Region in 2018 is estimated at 7.9 billion euro, which corresponds to an R&D intensity of 2.92% of gross domestic product (GDP) in that year. From 2007 onward, R&D expenditure expressed as a % of GDP had increased annually.
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Businesses account for bulk of R&D expenditure
The majority of R&D expenditure comes from businesses. In 2018, with expenditures of 5.5 billion euro they accounted for 70% of total R&D expenditure. Their share has risen over the years: in 2009, it still stood at 66%.
Universities and research institutions associated with universities were the second most important actors with a share of 17% in 2018. This was less than in 2009 (22%). The government agencies and non-profit institutions represented a smaller share of R&D expenditure.
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Flemish R&D expenditure higher than EU average
With a 2.92% R&D intensity in 2018, the Flemish Region did better than the 2.03% EU average figure. The Walloon Region also scored comparatively high (2.67% in 2017). In the Brussels Capital Region, R&D intensity is lower (2.16% in 2017).
In a number of countries such as Sweden, Austria, Denmark and Germany, R&D expenditure was relatively higher than in Flanders. In Lithuania, R&D expenditure amounted to less than 1% of GDP.
Sources
Expertisecentrum Onderzoek en Ontwikkelingsmonitoring (ECOOM) (Centre for Research & Development Monitoring): Indicatorenboek – De middelen voor O&O (Indicators Book- The resources for R&D)
Definitions
Gross domestic product: the monetary value of the final goods and services produced in a given country or region over a year’s time.
R&D intensity: the expenditure for research and development (R&D) as a percentage of gross domestic product.