Final yr’s home analysis and growth (R&D) funding quantity exceeded 5% of gross home product (GDP) for the primary time in historical past. Particularly, the highest 10 corporations led the enlargement of R&D funding by spending 50 trillion gained, a rise of practically 40% in comparison with the earlier yr.
The Ministry of Science and ICT introduced the outcomes of final yr’s R&D exercise survey on Dec. 26. It is a statistical survey of annual R&D prices and personnel standing final yr, focusing on 69,042 corporations, establishments, and universities throughout private and non-private sectors.
R&D prices reached 131.462 trillion gained in 2024, a rise of 10.1% in comparison with 2023. At 5.13% of GDP, Korea maintained its place because the world’s second-highest, following Israel. The federal government and public sector invested 27.767 trillion gained, the non-public sector invested 102.875 trillion gained, and overseas sources invested 404 billion gained, with non-public and overseas funding surpassing 100 trillion gained for the primary time.
Among the many non-public sector, corporations invested 106.699 trillion gained, with massive firms accounting for 71.481 trillion gained, representing a good portion. Particularly, the highest 10 corporations by gross sales elevated their funding by 39.7% in a single yr, from 35.872 trillion gained in 2023 to 50.127 trillion gained final yr. Medium-sized corporations spent 14.283 trillion gained, small and medium enterprises spent 8.581 trillion gained, and enterprise corporations spent 12.353 trillion gained on R&D.
R&D personnel, together with researchers and analysis assistants, totaled 839,582 folks, a rise of 1.4% in comparison with the earlier yr. Full-time equal researchers (FTE), contemplating analysis participation charges, elevated by 2.7% to 503,346 folks. Firms accounted for the biggest portion, with 447,351 folks. Giant firms employed 149,858 folks, with the highest 10 corporations using 79,622 folks.
