France vs United Kingdom: R&D Expenditure Comparison

Compare Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP) of France and United Kingdom over time using official World Bank Open Data.

⚡ Quick Comparison Summary

In 2023, United Kingdom recorded Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP) of 2.7% vs 2.2% for France (United Kingdom's R&D Expenditure is 0.5% higher than France's.).

🇫🇷 France
2.2%
+3.7% since 2000
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
2.7%
+66.3% since 2000
⚖️ Difference / Gap
0.5%
Latest Year: 2023
Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP)
Progressive time series visualization
-
Active Year
2000 2025
Select countries and press Play.

France vs United Kingdom All Annual Observations (1996 – 2023)

Complete annual observations of Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP) for France and United Kingdom reported by World Bank.

Year 🇫🇷 France R&D Expenditure 🇬🇧 United Kingdom R&D Expenditure Difference / Gap
2023 2.2% 2.7% 0.5%
2022 2.2% 2.8% 0.5%
2021 2.2% 2.9% 0.7%
2020 2.3% 2.9% 0.7%
2019 2.2% 2.7% 0.5%
2018 2.2% 2.7% 0.5%
2017 2.2% 2.3% 0.1%
2016 2.2% 2.3% 0.1%
2015 2.2% 2.3% 0.1%
2014 2.3% 2.3% 0.0%
2013 2.2% 1.6% 0.6%
2012 2.2% 1.6% 0.7%
2011 2.2% 1.6% 0.5%
2010 2.2% 1.6% 0.5%
2009 2.2% 1.7% 0.5%
2008 2.1% 1.6% 0.5%
2007 2.0% 1.6% 0.4%
2006 2.1% 1.6% 0.5%
2005 2.1% 1.6% 0.5%
2004 2.1% 1.5% 0.6%
2003 2.1% 1.6% 0.5%
2002 2.2% 1.6% 0.6%
2001 2.1% 1.6% 0.6%
2000 2.1% 1.6% 0.5%
1999 2.1% 1.6% 0.5%
1998 2.1% 1.5% 0.6%
1997 2.2% 1.5% 0.6%
1996 2.2% 1.6% 0.7%

R&D Expenditure Comparison

• Current Leader: In 2023, United Kingdom recorded R&D Expenditure of 2.7%, while France recorded 2.2%, a difference of 0.5%.
• 1996 Baseline: France stood at 2.2% and United Kingdom stood at 1.6%.
• 2000–2023 Trajectory: France moved to 2.2% (+3.7% since 2000), while United Kingdom moved to 2.7% (+66.3% since 2000).

Historical Trends

Over the available reporting period from 1996 to 2023, France and United Kingdom followed distinct developmental paths. In 1996, France recorded 2.2% compared to 1.6% for United Kingdom. By 2023, the values evolved to 2.2% and 2.7% respectively.

Key Differences

• Absolute Gap: Difference in 2023 is 0.5%.
• Highest Observed Year: Peak observed was 2.7% (United Kingdom in 2023).
• Growth Trajectory: Since 2000, France achieved +3.7% since 2000, while United Kingdom achieved +66.3% since 2000.

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 France and United Kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions — R&D Expenditure

What is the R&D Expenditure of France?

In 2023, France's R&D Expenditure was 2.2% according to official World Bank data.

What is the R&D Expenditure of United Kingdom?

In 2023, United Kingdom's R&D Expenditure was 2.7% according to official World Bank data.

Which country has a higher R&D Expenditure?

In 2023, United Kingdom recorded a higher R&D Expenditure of 2.7% compared to France's 2.2% (a difference of 0.5%).

How has R&D Expenditure changed over time for France and United Kingdom?

From 2000 to 2023, France's R&D Expenditure changed by +3.7% since 2000, while United Kingdom's changed by +66.3% since 2000.

Explore France vs United Kingdom Interactively

Use TradeSeekho Growth Explorer to customize time ranges, play animated timeline visualizations, and compare France and United Kingdom across Population, Health, Education, and Technology metrics.

Open Growth Explorer →

Related Comparisons

France vs India R&D Expenditure United Kingdom vs India R&D Expenditure France vs China R&D Expenditure United Kingdom vs China R&D Expenditure France vs United States R&D Expenditure United Kingdom vs United States R&D Expenditure

Related Indicators

France vs United Kingdom Internet Users France vs United Kingdom Mobile Cellular Subscriptions France vs United Kingdom Fixed Broadband Subscriptions France vs United Kingdom Secure Internet Servers

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 France and United Kingdom from 1996 through 2023. Missing reporting years are omitted without converting missing values to zero.