Riyadh, November 28, 2024 – The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has released its annual Research and Development (R&D) Statistics for 2023, revealing significant growth in both expenditure and the workforce within the field. According to the newly published data, total R&D spending in Saudi Arabia saw a substantial 17.4% increase in 2023, reaching an impressive SAR 22.61 billion, compared to SAR 19.25 billion in the previous year. This growth reflects the country’s increasing commitment to enhancing its innovation capabilities and advancing scientific research, in line with broader goals outlined in Vision 2030.
In addition to the rise in funding, the R&D workforce also expanded significantly. The total number of employees working in the R&D sector grew by 12.2%, bringing the workforce to a total of 49,337. This uptick in personnel highlights the growing demand for specialized talent in research and development, underscoring the nation’s investment in human capital to foster innovation and technological advancements.
The report also indicated a remarkable increase in the number of researchers, which rose by 22.1%, reaching 36,832 researchers in 2023. This increase demonstrates the country’s commitment to developing a robust research ecosystem, one that is capable of generating new ideas, solving complex challenges, and contributing to global scientific and technological advancements.
These R&D statistics serve as a vital economic indicator, providing valuable insights into the health and growth of Saudi Arabia’s research and development landscape. The data offers a clear picture of the country’s progress in strengthening its scientific infrastructure and fostering an environment conducive to innovation. As the Kingdom continues to invest in its research sector, these figures represent a crucial step toward achieving its goal of becoming a global leader in science, technology, and innovation.
The increase in both funding and human resources in the R&D sector reflects Saudi Arabia’s strategic focus on sustainability, technological advancement, and economic diversification, with a clear vision for the future. These investments in research and development are critical for driving growth in key industries, advancing knowledge, and supporting the country’s long-term development objectives as outlined in Vision 2030. The continued upward trend in R&D expenditure and workforce growth signals a promising future for innovation and research excellence in the Kingdom.