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Analysis
Microbusinesses Performed $5.9 Billion of R&D in the United States in 2023
August 17, 2026
U.S. microbusinesses (one to nine employees) reported a total of $8.3 billion in research and development (R&D) costs in 2023; $7.1 billion (86%) went towards domestic R&D costs, including roughly $4 billion (56% of domestic R&D costs) for salaries, wages, and fringe benefits. Of the total $8.3 billion spent on R&D, $5.9 billion (72%) was performed by the microbusinesses themselves.
Report
The State of U.S. Science and Engineering 2026
May 4, 2026
Measuring America’s Progress in Science, Technology, and Innovation
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