Legal Commentary

Trends in Research & Development Investments

By davidwanetick

According to recent research published by Battelle Memorial Institute, total spending on US R&D is projected to rise about 3% to $367 billion in 2008 from $355 billion in 2007. After accounting for inflation, the growth rate would be about 3.7%.

This does not mean that the quality of research will suffer. Research efforts must become more efficient just as every other department in Corporate America must become more efficient. In efforts to become more efficient, many American companies are offshoring their R&D efforts, especially by tapping into research being conducted in less expensive countries. Also, there are companies such as NineSigma that allow companies to tap into networks of researchers around the world.

Separately, China spends more on R&D than any other country, except for the US. China has been increasing its R&D spending by 15% to 20% each year.

The management of research & development and intellectual property is the focus of many seminars offered by The Business Development Academy. Visit www.bdacademy.com.

Full post as published by Vertical Pulse on February 14, 2008 (boomark / email).