Global R&D spending is forecast to increase 1.8% to $1,496.4 billion in 2013, measured in purchase powered parity, down from 5.2% growth. R&D expenditures in the life sciences, chemicals and energy sectors are expected to increase 4.2%, 0.6% and 1.6% to account for 13%, 3% and 1% of worldwide R&D spending, respectively. R&D spending is slated to increase the fastest in Asia, where it will grow 6.9% to account for one-third of global expenditures. Asian growth will be led by China’s R&D spending, which will increase 11.6% to represent 15% of the global total. R&D expenditures in North America are expected to rise 2.6% to account for 34% of global spending, including 1.2% spending growth in the US. R&D spending growth in Europe will be more sluggish, increasing 0.8% to comprise 23% of global spending.

Source: Battelle