US R&D grew 1.8% to $414.0 billion in 2011, according to preliminary estimates. But, in constant dollars, the amount, as in the previous two years, is below 2008 levels. Also, as in 2010, R&D grew slower than GDP in 2011. Business funded 60% of US R&D activities in 2011, a 0.1% increase, and performed 69%, a 1.7% increase, reversing two years of decline. Universities and colleges accounted for 3% of funding for R&D, a 4.2% increase, and performed 15%, a 14.8% increase. The federal government, including federally funded R&D centers, performed 12% of US R&D in 2011, a 1.0% increase, and funded 32%, for growth of 5.7%. Other nonprofit organizations accounted for 4% of R&D funding. Over a five-year period, the share of funding from business has decreased, but the federal government’s share has increased. Basic research accounted for 19% of 2011 US R&D, with universities and colleges performing 52% and the federal government funding 53%. Applied research made up 20% of total US R&D, with business performing 56% and funding 51%. Development accounted for 62% of US R&D, with 87% and 75% performed and funded by business, respectively. Worldwide, R&D is estimated to have totaled $1.341 trillion in 2010, with average annual growth of 7.1% over five years. Seven countries represented about 71% of the total.

Source: NSF