September 11, 2009
The Highest R&D intensity in the nordic member states
Eurostat recently published the 2009 edition of Science, Technology and Innovation in Europe, which covers a wide range of indicators, such as R&D expenditure and personnel, patents, innovation and other indicators related to high-tech and knowledge intensive sectors of the economy. The study covers activities from 2001-2007.
According to Eurostat's result the highest R & D intensity exists in the Nordic Member States as well as Austria and Germany. Sweden and Finland spent nearly 3,5 % of GDP on R & D, while Cyprus, Slovakia and Bulgaria had the lowest percentages, just below 0,5%. The EU27 average came to 1,85% of GDP. An average of 40 % of all EU 27 enterprises where involved in innovative activity. Most other Member states were outshined by Germany, where 63% of businesses are involved in innovation activities.
The full report " Science, Technology and Innovation 2009" can be downloaded free of charge at http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat .
