India vs United States: R&D Expenditure Comparison

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

⚡ Quick Comparison Summary

In 2023, United States recorded Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP) of 3.4% vs 0.6% for India (United States's R&D Expenditure is 2.8% higher than India's.).

🇮🇳 India
0.6%
-14.7% since 2000
🇺🇸 United States
3.4%
+31.6% since 2000
⚖️ Difference / Gap
2.8%
Latest Year: 2023
Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP)
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2000 2025
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India vs United States All Annual Observations (1996 – 2023)

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

Year 🇮🇳 India R&D Expenditure 🇺🇸 United States R&D Expenditure Difference / Gap
2023 No data 3.4%
2022 No data 3.5%
2021 No data 3.5%
2020 0.6% 3.4% 2.8%
2019 0.7% 3.1% 2.5%
2018 0.7% 3.0% 2.3%
2017 0.7% 2.9% 2.2%
2016 0.7% 2.8% 2.2%
2015 0.7% 2.8% 2.1%
2014 0.7% 2.7% 2.0%
2013 0.7% 2.7% 2.0%
2012 0.7% 2.7% 1.9%
2011 0.8% 2.7% 2.0%
2010 0.8% 2.7% 1.9%
2009 0.8% 2.8% 2.0%
2008 0.9% 2.7% 1.9%
2007 0.8% 2.6% 1.8%
2006 0.8% 2.5% 1.7%
2005 0.8% 2.5% 1.7%
2004 0.8% 2.5% 1.7%
2003 0.7% 2.6% 1.8%
2002 0.7% 2.5% 1.8%
2001 0.7% 2.6% 1.9%
2000 0.8% 2.6% 1.9%
1999 0.7% 2.5% 1.8%
1998 0.7% 2.5% 1.8%
1997 0.7% 2.5% 1.8%
1996 0.6% 2.5% 1.8%

R&D Expenditure Comparison

Current Leader: In 2023, United States recorded R&D Expenditure of 3.4%, while India recorded 0.6%, a difference of 2.8%.
1996 Baseline: India stood at 0.6% and United States stood at 2.5%.
2000–2023 Trajectory: India moved to 0.6% (-14.7% since 2000), while United States moved to 3.4% (+31.6% since 2000).

Historical Trends

Over the available reporting period from 1996 to 2023, India and United States followed distinct developmental paths. In 1996, India recorded 0.6% compared to 2.5% for United States. By 2023, the values evolved to 0.6% and 3.4% respectively.

Key Differences

Absolute Gap: Difference in 2023 is 2.8%.
Highest Observed Year: Peak observed was 3.4% (United States in 2023).
Growth Trajectory: Since 2000, India achieved -14.7% since 2000, while United States achieved +31.6% 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 India and United States.

Frequently Asked Questions — R&D Expenditure

What is the R&D Expenditure of India?

In 2020, India's R&D Expenditure was 0.6% 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 India's 0.6% (a difference of 2.8%).

How has R&D Expenditure changed over time for India and United States?

From 2000 to 2023, India's R&D Expenditure changed by -14.7% since 2000, while United States's changed by +31.6% since 2000.

Explore India vs United States Interactively

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

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