R&D intensity

Research and development (R&D) expenditure in the Flemish Region was estimated at 12.5 billion euros in 2023. This represents an R&D intensity (open definition) (open definition) of 3.5% of gross domestic product (GDP).

The R&D intensity in the Flemish Region has been above the threshold of 3% of GDP since 2019 and has fluctuated around 3.5% since 2020.

In 2023, 77% of R&D expenditure was privately financed and 23% publicly financed. In previous years, this ratio fluctuated around 75%/25%.

Businesses are responsible for the largest share of R&D expenditure: 8.9 billion euros in 2023, accounting for 71% of total R&D expenditure. The share of businesses increased between 2013 (69%) and 2021 (73%), but has since fallen somewhat. Universities and research institutions affiliated with universities (higher education) are in 2^nd place with a share of 16% in 2023 (19% in 2013). Governments had a share of 12%. Non-profit institutions have a marginal share of R&D expenditure.

The R&D intensity in the Flemish Region was 3.5% in 2023. According to data for 2021, the R&D intensity for the Walloon and Brussels-Capital Regions was 3.6% and 2.5% respectively.

The R&D intensity in 2023 was highest in Sweden (3.6%), followed by Belgium and Austria (both 3.3%). The other countries that reached the 3% threshold were Germany, Finland and Denmark.

The R&D intensity was lowest in a number of Southern and Eastern European EU Member States. Romania achieved the lowest share with 0.5%.