According to Battelle and R&D Magazine, R&D spending worldwide is estimated to increase 5.2% to $1,402.6 billion in 2012 measured in purchase powered parity, compared to growth of 6.5% in 2011. Asian R&D spending is expected to increase the fastest, rising 9% next year to $514.4 billion to account for 37% of total global R&D expenditures, up from 36% in 2011. Within Asia, China’s R&D spending is estimated to total $514.4 billion next year, representing 14% of global R&D spending. European R&D spending is expected to outpace North America next year, growing 3.5% to $338.1 billion to represent 24% of the global total. North American R&D expenditures are expected to increase 2.8% to $505.6 billion to make up 36% of total worldwide R&D spending.

Source: R&D Magazine