Spain Commits Historic Investment to R&D&I

Spain has just reached a historic milestone in its innovation landscape. According to the 2024 follow‑up report on the Spanish Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation (EECTI) 2021–2027, the government has nearly tripled the national R&D&I budget since 2020. This year’s allocation stands at €17.8 billion, fueled by both domestic funding and the Next Generation EU Recovery & Resilience Mechanism.

Key Highlights:

• Record-breaking total R&D expenditure: Over €22 billion was spent on research and development in 2023.

• Rising researcher workforce: The number of research personnel has surged nearly 22% since 2020.

• Business-led innovation: Private sector now plays the leading role not only in funding but also in conducting R&D, signaling a strategic shift towards industry-driven research.

• Global scientific ascent: Spain ranks among the top 10 nations in indexed scientific publications, enhancing its influence within international research networks.

This marks the largest budgetary commitment to R&D&I in Spain’s history, underlining a clear acceleration in support for science, innovation, and research—an essential move to align with Europe’s most ambitious economies.