R&D expenditures by UK businesses grew 2% in 2008 to £15.9 billion ($25.9 billion), but in real terms (2008 prices) declined 1%, according to a survey of 4,440 businesses in the country. Excluding defense R&D, civil R&D expenditures rose 5% to £13.8 billion and fell 2% in real terms. The pharmaceutical industry represented the largest share of R&D spending at 27%. By source, business accounted for 63% of total funding, foreign companies represented 24% and the government made up 7%. The number of scientists and engineers declined 4% to 86,000, but the number of technician and lab assistant climbed 8.6% to 38,000. Manufacturing accounted for 71% of civil R&D spending in 2008.

Source: Office of National Statistics