The investment in scientific research has become increasingly important in the countries budget. Staying at the forefront of technological development is crucial to improve the local economy of each nation. However, few states are aware of this, most underestimate the value of the scientists and most ignore the benefits that research can give to development. Recall that the major socio-economic revolutions in history are the result of significant progress in the different areas of science. For example, in the eighteenth century, the understanding of the thermodynamic phenomena gives rise to the industrial revolution. Also, thanks to the discoveries in biology, chemistry and physics, there have been major advances in medicine. Treatment for unknown diseases has been achieved, avoiding the death of millions of people. These are just some of the countless examples where humanity has prospered using science. Therefore, it is important to have significant capital invested in Research and Development (R&D), to promote innovation in the public sector and private, in order to contribute to the development of humanity.
In this post we show each country’s concern about technology and science investment, this does not mean that those who invest less are indifferent to humanity’s condition and well-being, perhaps they are still in the process of implementing better scenarios to work in science.
In the following chart we can see how the research budget, relative to per capita income varies in some countries for a time period of almost 20 years.
The key concepts are:
You can compare the different variables of the data in various ways. By default the graph compares the GDP as a function of the percentage invested in research (percRD). The size of each point is determined by the number of researchers per million inhabitants. You can change the axes from linear and logarithmic scale (powers of 10). You can also create a bar chart of the selected variable, or a line that shows the time evolution of the variable in question. The color corresponds to each country, and it can be changed by any another variable. When you click on any country on the list the results are highlighted in the graph, allowing a clearer monitoring process.
Select the country of your interest and purchase tracking, change variables and scales and see how the results are affected, enjoy!!
Most countries have a constant income, however there is an increasing trend of capital investment in research. Other countries such as the USA, have remained stable both in GDP and in its R&D budget. It is clear to see that the country that invests more in developing technology is Israel, but in recent years it has shown a slight decline. Take a look at China, there is a strong linear relation between GDP and R&D budget, this shows awareness of the benefits and needs of research in the development of the country. Russia on the other hand starts with a downfall in its GDP, which increases over time, however no major investment in research is noticeable, too bad for Russia. Germany shows a considerable increase in R&D support and a slight improvement of its GDP. The US shows a constant behavior in both variables, although one would expect that the country with highest income invests the most in science.
It is clear how most countries have given more and more importance to science and its applications. It is clear that in order to compete succesfully in the world economy, science must play an important role. It is not enough to have money but also have people specialized in doing research. Scientific development is limitless, the possibilities are endless with infinite advantages. Humanity suffers from ignorance and is constantly haunted by the fear of the unknown, especially in developing countries, these are the real obstacles to human evolution. That’s what science is for, to illuminate the shadows of knowledge and provide humanity with a decent lifestyle.