China vs United States: R&D Expenditure Comparison
Compare Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP) of China and United States over time using official World Bank Open Data.
In 2023, United States recorded Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP) of 3.4% vs 2.6% for China (United States's R&D Expenditure is 0.9% higher than China's.).
China vs United States All Annual Observations (1996 – 2023)
Complete annual observations of Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP) for China and United States reported by World Bank.
| Year | 🇨🇳 China R&D Expenditure | 🇺🇸 United States R&D Expenditure | Difference / Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2.6% | 3.4% | 0.9% |
| 2022 | 2.5% | 3.5% | 1.0% |
| 2021 | 2.4% | 3.5% | 1.1% |
| 2020 | 2.4% | 3.4% | 1.1% |
| 2019 | 2.2% | 3.1% | 0.9% |
| 2018 | 2.1% | 3.0% | 0.9% |
| 2017 | 2.1% | 2.9% | 0.8% |
| 2016 | 2.1% | 2.8% | 0.8% |
| 2015 | 2.0% | 2.8% | 0.8% |
| 2014 | 2.0% | 2.7% | 0.7% |
| 2013 | 2.0% | 2.7% | 0.7% |
| 2012 | 1.9% | 2.7% | 0.8% |
| 2011 | 1.8% | 2.7% | 1.0% |
| 2010 | 1.7% | 2.7% | 1.0% |
| 2009 | 1.6% | 2.8% | 1.2% |
| 2008 | 1.4% | 2.7% | 1.3% |
| 2007 | 1.4% | 2.6% | 1.3% |
| 2006 | 1.3% | 2.5% | 1.2% |
| 2005 | 1.3% | 2.5% | 1.2% |
| 2004 | 1.2% | 2.5% | 1.3% |
| 2003 | 1.1% | 2.6% | 1.4% |
| 2002 | 1.0% | 2.5% | 1.5% |
| 2001 | 0.9% | 2.6% | 1.7% |
| 2000 | 0.9% | 2.6% | 1.7% |
| 1999 | 0.7% | 2.5% | 1.8% |
| 1998 | 0.6% | 2.5% | 1.9% |
| 1997 | 0.6% | 2.5% | 1.8% |
| 1996 | 0.6% | 2.5% | 1.9% |
R&D Expenditure Comparison
Historical Trends
Over the available reporting period from 1996 to 2023, China and United States followed distinct developmental paths. In 1996, China recorded 0.6% compared to 2.5% for United States. By 2023, the values evolved to 2.6% and 3.4% respectively.
Key Differences
About Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP)
Gross domestic expenditure on research and development expressed as a percentage of GDP.
This comparison uses standardized data from World Bank Open Data. Historical records allow analysts to trace long-term development trajectories for China and United States.
Frequently Asked Questions — R&D Expenditure
What is the R&D Expenditure of China?
In 2023, China's R&D Expenditure was 2.6% according to official World Bank data.
What is the R&D Expenditure of United States?
In 2023, United States's R&D Expenditure was 3.4% according to official World Bank data.
Which country has a higher R&D Expenditure?
In 2023, United States recorded a higher R&D Expenditure of 3.4% compared to China's 2.6% (a difference of 0.9%).
How has R&D Expenditure changed over time for China and United States?
From 2000 to 2023, China's R&D Expenditure changed by +191.5% since 2000, while United States's changed by +31.6% since 2000.
Explore China vs United States Interactively
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Related Indicators
Data Source and Methodology
Source: World Bank Open Data. Indicator Code:GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS (Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP)).
Values represent annual research and development expenditure (% of gdp) for China and United States from 1996 through 2023. Missing reporting years are omitted without converting missing values to zero.