Japan vs United Kingdom: R&D Expenditure Comparison

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

⚡ Quick Comparison Summary

In 2023, Japan recorded Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP) of 3.4% vs 2.7% for United Kingdom (Japan's R&D Expenditure is 0.8% higher than United Kingdom's.).

🇯🇵 Japan
3.4%
+20.4% since 2000
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
2.7%
+66.3% since 2000
⚖️ Difference / Gap
0.8%
Latest Year: 2023
Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP)
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Japan vs United Kingdom All Annual Observations (1996 – 2023)

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

Year 🇯🇵 Japan R&D Expenditure 🇬🇧 United Kingdom R&D Expenditure Difference / Gap
2023 3.4% 2.7% 0.8%
2022 3.4% 2.8% 0.6%
2021 3.3% 2.9% 0.4%
2020 3.3% 2.9% 0.3%
2019 3.2% 2.7% 0.5%
2018 3.2% 2.7% 0.5%
2017 3.2% 2.3% 0.8%
2016 3.1% 2.3% 0.8%
2015 3.2% 2.3% 1.0%
2014 3.4% 2.3% 1.1%
2013 3.3% 1.6% 1.7%
2012 3.2% 1.6% 1.6%
2011 3.2% 1.6% 1.6%
2010 3.1% 1.6% 1.5%
2009 3.2% 1.7% 1.5%
2008 3.3% 1.6% 1.7%
2007 3.3% 1.6% 1.7%
2006 3.2% 1.6% 1.7%
2005 3.1% 1.6% 1.6%
2004 3.0% 1.5% 1.5%
2003 3.0% 1.6% 1.4%
2002 3.0% 1.6% 1.4%
2001 2.9% 1.6% 1.3%
2000 2.9% 1.6% 1.2%
1999 2.8% 1.6% 1.2%
1998 2.8% 1.5% 1.3%
1997 2.7% 1.5% 1.2%
1996 2.6% 1.6% 1.1%

R&D Expenditure Comparison

Current Leader: In 2023, Japan recorded R&D Expenditure of 3.4%, while United Kingdom recorded 2.7%, a difference of 0.8%.
1996 Baseline: Japan stood at 2.6% and United Kingdom stood at 1.6%.
2000–2023 Trajectory: Japan moved to 3.4% (+20.4% since 2000), while United Kingdom moved to 2.7% (+66.3% since 2000).

Historical Trends

Over the available reporting period from 1996 to 2023, Japan and United Kingdom followed distinct developmental paths. In 1996, Japan recorded 2.6% compared to 1.6% for United Kingdom. By 2023, the values evolved to 3.4% and 2.7% respectively.

Key Differences

Absolute Gap: Difference in 2023 is 0.8%.
Highest Observed Year: Peak observed was 3.4% (Japan in 2023).
Growth Trajectory: Since 2000, Japan achieved +20.4% 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 Japan and United Kingdom.

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 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, Japan recorded a higher R&D Expenditure of 3.4% compared to United Kingdom's 2.7% (a difference of 0.8%).

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

From 2000 to 2023, Japan's R&D Expenditure changed by +20.4% since 2000, while United Kingdom's changed by +66.3% since 2000.

Explore Japan vs United Kingdom Interactively

Use TradeSeekho Growth Explorer to customize time ranges, play animated timeline visualizations, and compare Japan and United Kingdom 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 Japan and United Kingdom from 1996 through 2023. Missing reporting years are omitted without converting missing values to zero.