Discovery: R&D Activity and Research Publications
July 2025
The funding and performance of research and experimental development (R&D) activities and the publication of peer-reviewed research, an output of R&D activity, serve as important indicators of the competitiveness of U.S. science and engineering in a global context. According to internationally comparable data, the United States had the largest national R&D investment in 2022—above China, Japan, and Germany—and this investment was driven primarily by the business sector. The United States also remains a leader in peer-reviewed research publications in terms of output, scientific impact, and international collaborations.
Continue Reading >The STEM Labor Force: Scientists, Engineers, and Skilled Technical Workers
May 2024
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workers make important contributions to improve the nation's living standards, economic growth, and global competitiveness. This report touches on the size, growth, education, salary, and diversity of the STEM workforce. STEM occupations cover a diverse range of opportunities, including those not typically considered STEM (e.g., mechanics, electricians, and carpenters). More than 36 million people work in STEM occupations, of which more than half did not have a bachelor's degree. In addition, workers in STEM occupations have higher employment rates and higher median earnings than their non-STEM counterparts.
Continue Reading >Research and Development: U.S. Trends and International Comparisons
May 2024
Investment in research and development (R&D) is essential for a country’s success in the global economy and for its ability to address challenges and opportunities. R&D contributes to innovation and competitiveness. In 2021, the business sector was the leading performer and funder of U.S. R&D. The federal government was the second-largest overall funding source and the largest funding source for U.S. basic research; the higher education sector was the largest performer of basic research. Based on internationally comparable estimates, the United States had the highest R&D expenditures in 2021, followed by China, Japan, and Germany.
Continue Reading >Production and Trade of Knowledge- and Technology-Intensive Industries
April 2024
Knowledge- and technology-intensive (KTI) industries are those with high and medium-high R&D intensity. They include 10 manufacturing and 3 services industries. This report discusses U.S. and global KTI production patterns and international trade. The report shows that KTI industries value added account for about a 10th of U.S. GDP. In 2022, China and the United States were the top two producers of KTI output, each representing over a quarter of global KTI value added. And China has been the leading KTI manufacturing exporter since 2008. In 2022, the United States and Germany were the next largest KTI goods exporters.
Continue Reading >About S&E Indicators
Covers major developments in the U.S. and global S&E enterprise, including education, workforce, R&D, invention and innovation, high-tech industry, and public attitudes and understanding.
CONTINUE READING >State Indicators
Compare states on S&E measures.
Data updated frequently.
EXPLORE STATE INDICATORS >Explore Indicators
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