Iran Ranks 29th Worldwide in Gross Domestic R&D Expenditure

“In leading countries, the amount of gross domestic expenditures on research and development (R&D) is estimated between 3 to 5 percent; while according to surveys, the rate of this index in our country is reported to be 0.85%, and given the amount of gross expenditure on research and development ($9.3 billion), the country ranks 29th in the world,” Baqeri said.

“In our country, the government's share of investment in the research and development sector is over 40%, and the share of private companies is about 25%. This is while this ratio is completely opposite in advanced countries,” he added.

Baqeri said that imposition of international sanctions against Iran and the existence of exclusive markets are the most important factors that have caused the macro economy of the country not to move towards the development of knowledge, adding, “In addition, lack of attention to the organization of research and development in the private companies and enterprises, the lack of research and development laboratories, the allocation of financial resources of companies to low-risk and quick-return activities, the risk of failure of research and development programs and unsuccessful experiences are among the other reasons.”

The gross domestic expenditure on R&D indicator consists of the total expenditure (current and capital) on R&D by all resident companies, research institutes, university and government laboratories, etc.

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