South Korea vs United Kingdom: R&D Expenditure Comparison

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

⚡ Quick Comparison Summary

In 2023, South Korea recorded Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP) of 4.9% vs 2.7% for United Kingdom (South Korea's R&D Expenditure is 2.3% higher than United Kingdom's.).

🇰🇷 South Korea
4.9%
+141.2% since 2000
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
2.7%
+66.3% since 2000
⚖️ Difference / Gap
2.3%
Latest Year: 2023
Research and Development Expenditure (% of GDP)
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Active Year
2000 2025
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South Korea vs United Kingdom All Annual Observations (1996 – 2023)

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

Year 🇰🇷 South Korea R&D Expenditure 🇬🇧 United Kingdom R&D Expenditure Difference / Gap
2023 4.9% 2.7% 2.3%
2022 4.8% 2.8% 2.1%
2021 4.6% 2.9% 1.7%
2020 4.5% 2.9% 1.6%
2019 4.4% 2.7% 1.7%
2018 4.3% 2.7% 1.6%
2017 4.1% 2.3% 1.7%
2016 3.8% 2.3% 1.5%
2015 3.8% 2.3% 1.5%
2014 3.9% 2.3% 1.6%
2013 3.8% 1.6% 2.2%
2012 3.7% 1.6% 2.1%
2011 3.4% 1.6% 1.8%
2010 3.2% 1.6% 1.5%
2009 3.0% 1.7% 1.4%
2008 2.9% 1.6% 1.3%
2007 2.8% 1.6% 1.1%
2006 2.6% 1.6% 1.0%
2005 2.4% 1.6% 0.9%
2004 2.4% 1.5% 0.8%
2003 2.2% 1.6% 0.6%
2002 2.1% 1.6% 0.5%
2001 2.2% 1.6% 0.6%
2000 2.0% 1.6% 0.4%
1999 1.9% 1.6% 0.3%
1998 2.0% 1.5% 0.5%
1997 2.2% 1.5% 0.6%
1996 2.1% 1.6% 0.6%

R&D Expenditure Comparison

• Current Leader: In 2023, South Korea recorded R&D Expenditure of 4.9%, while United Kingdom recorded 2.7%, a difference of 2.3%.
• 1996 Baseline: South Korea stood at 2.1% and United Kingdom stood at 1.6%.
• 2000–2023 Trajectory: South Korea moved to 4.9% (+141.2% since 2000), while United Kingdom moved to 2.7% (+66.3% since 2000).

Historical Trends

Over the available reporting period from 1996 to 2023, South Korea and United Kingdom followed distinct developmental paths. In 1996, South Korea recorded 2.1% compared to 1.6% for United Kingdom. By 2023, the values evolved to 4.9% and 2.7% respectively.

Key Differences

• Absolute Gap: Difference in 2023 is 2.3%.
• Highest Observed Year: Peak observed was 4.9% (South Korea in 2023).
• Growth Trajectory: Since 2000, South Korea achieved +141.2% 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 South Korea and United Kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions — R&D Expenditure

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.

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, South Korea recorded a higher R&D Expenditure of 4.9% compared to United Kingdom's 2.7% (a difference of 2.3%).

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

From 2000 to 2023, South Korea's R&D Expenditure changed by +141.2% since 2000, while United Kingdom's changed by +66.3% since 2000.

Explore South Korea vs United Kingdom Interactively

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