Research and development (R&D) in the EU countries: Comparison of selected indicators

Abstract

This paper deals with the position of Research & Development (R&D) in the EU countries. In greater detail, attention is paid to selected R&D indicators, with focus on financial R&D indicators. Results of the research show a comparison of the total expenditure on R&D in % of GDP (R&D intensity), expenditure according to R&D sector (business enterprise sector, government sector, higher-education sector, and private non-profit sector) in the EU countries, and a comparison of government budget appropriations or outlays for R&D as % of total general government expenditure as a mean value of the years 2009-2013. By means of hierarchical cluster analysis, selected financial R&D indicators are compared, with focus on public expenditure (R&D indicators in the higher-education sector, R&D expenditure in the government sector, and government budget appropriations or outlays for R&D as % of total general government expenditure) as average of the years 2009-2013, and similarities and differences are evaluated in the individual countries. Cluster analysis enabled dividing the EU countries into three clusters, with the most significant differences observed in all clusters of the EU countries in government budget appropriations or outlays for R&D as % of total general government expenditure; by contrast, the least marked differences were observed in R&D expenditure in the government sector.