Key facts
- China has surpassed the U.S. in research and development spending.
- China's R&D spending reached $1.03 trillion in 2024.
- OECD data reports on China's R&D spending.
- China has experienced rapid growth in scientific output.
- China's scientific output includes an increase in publications and patents.
- Foundational discovery is an area of focus for China's research.
China has now surpassed the United States in research and development (R&D) spending, achieving a total of $1.03 trillion in 2024. This significant milestone was reported by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The achievement marks the culmination of a period characterized by rapid expansion in China's scientific output. This growth is evident in metrics such as the number of scientific publications and patents originating from the country. Despite this surge in R&D investment and output, the sources indicate that foundational scientific discovery remains a key area for continued development and focus within China's research landscape.