Japan vs South Korea: R&D Expenditure Comparison
Compare Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP) of Japan and South Korea over time using official World Bank Open Data.
In 2023, South Korea recorded Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP) of 4.9% vs 3.4% for Japan (South Korea's R&D Expenditure is 1.5% higher than Japan's.).
Japan vs South Korea All Annual Observations (1996 – 2023)
Complete annual observations of Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP) for Japan and South Korea reported by World Bank.
| Year | 🇯🇵 Japan R&D Expenditure | 🇰🇷 South Korea R&D Expenditure | Difference / Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3.4% | 4.9% | 1.5% |
| 2022 | 3.4% | 4.8% | 1.4% |
| 2021 | 3.3% | 4.6% | 1.3% |
| 2020 | 3.3% | 4.5% | 1.3% |
| 2019 | 3.2% | 4.4% | 1.1% |
| 2018 | 3.2% | 4.3% | 1.1% |
| 2017 | 3.2% | 4.1% | 0.9% |
| 2016 | 3.1% | 3.8% | 0.7% |
| 2015 | 3.2% | 3.8% | 0.5% |
| 2014 | 3.4% | 3.9% | 0.5% |
| 2013 | 3.3% | 3.8% | 0.5% |
| 2012 | 3.2% | 3.7% | 0.5% |
| 2011 | 3.2% | 3.4% | 0.2% |
| 2010 | 3.1% | 3.2% | 0.1% |
| 2009 | 3.2% | 3.0% | 0.2% |
| 2008 | 3.3% | 2.9% | 0.4% |
| 2007 | 3.3% | 2.8% | 0.5% |
| 2006 | 3.2% | 2.6% | 0.6% |
| 2005 | 3.1% | 2.4% | 0.7% |
| 2004 | 3.0% | 2.4% | 0.6% |
| 2003 | 3.0% | 2.2% | 0.8% |
| 2002 | 3.0% | 2.1% | 0.8% |
| 2001 | 2.9% | 2.2% | 0.7% |
| 2000 | 2.9% | 2.0% | 0.8% |
| 1999 | 2.8% | 1.9% | 0.9% |
| 1998 | 2.8% | 2.0% | 0.8% |
| 1997 | 2.7% | 2.2% | 0.5% |
| 1996 | 2.6% | 2.1% | 0.5% |
R&D Expenditure Comparison
Historical Trends
Over the available reporting period from 1996 to 2023, Japan and South Korea followed distinct developmental paths. In 1996, Japan recorded 2.6% compared to 2.1% for South Korea. By 2023, the values evolved to 3.4% and 4.9% 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 Japan and South Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions — R&D Expenditure
What is the R&D Expenditure of Japan?
In 2023, Japan's R&D Expenditure was 3.4% according to official World Bank data.
What is the R&D Expenditure of South Korea?
In 2023, South Korea's R&D Expenditure was 4.9% according to official World Bank data.
Which country has a higher R&D Expenditure?
In 2023, South Korea recorded a higher R&D Expenditure of 4.9% compared to Japan's 3.4% (a difference of 1.5%).
How has R&D Expenditure changed over time for Japan and South Korea?
From 2000 to 2023, Japan's R&D Expenditure changed by +20.4% since 2000, while South Korea's changed by +141.2% since 2000.
Explore Japan vs South Korea Interactively
Use TradeSeekho Growth Explorer to customize time ranges, play animated timeline visualizations, and compare Japan and South Korea across Population, Health, Education, and Technology metrics.
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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 Japan and South Korea from 1996 through 2023. Missing reporting years are omitted without converting missing values to zero.