Research & development spending as a share of GDP in Canada
Canada: Research & development spending as a share of GDP was 1.8% in 2024. ▬ Flat
Research & development spending as a share of GDP in Canada, 1996–2024
Source: UNESCO UIS Stat Bulk Data Download Service, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in % of GDP.
Analysis
The most recent figure for research & development spending as a share of gdp in Canada is 1.8%, measured in 2024.
That represents a change of down 1.1% on the previous year and up 4.4% over ten years.
Over the whole period, research & development spending as a share of gdp in Canada peaked at 2.0% in 2001 and was at its lowest, 1.6%, in 1996.
That places Canada 23rd out of 116 countries with data for 2024, putting it in the top quarter.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 1.7% | 1.6% | 1.7% | 4 |
| 2000s | 1.9% | 1.9% | 2.0% | 10 |
| 2010s | 1.7% | 1.7% | 1.8% | 10 |
| 2020s | 1.8% | 1.8% | 1.9% | 5 |
Countries ranked near Canada
More science & technology data for Canada
- Scientific and technical journal articles 63,720 (2023)
- Mobile phone subscriptions 37.40 million (2024)
- Mobile phone subscriptions per 100 people 94.11 per 100 people (2024)
- Mobile and landline phone subscriptions per 100 people 94.11 per 100 people (2024)
- Patent applications, nonresidents 32,445 (2021)
- Share of the population using the Internet 94.4% (2024)
- Patent applications, residents 4,710 (2021)
- Research and development expenditure 1.8% (2024)
- Number of people using the Internet 36.12 million users (2021)
- Landline Internet subscriptions per 100 people 42.52 per 100 people (2024)
Frequently asked questions
- What is research & development spending as a share of gdp in Canada?
- Research & development spending as a share of gdp in Canada was 1.8% in 2024, according to UNESCO UIS Stat Bulk Data Download Service, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest research & development spending as a share of gdp recorded in Canada?
- The highest recorded value was 2.0% in 2001.
- What is the lowest research & development spending as a share of gdp recorded in Canada?
- The lowest recorded value was 1.6% in 1996.
- How does Canada rank for research & development spending as a share of gdp?
- Canada ranks 23rd out of 116 countries with data for 2024.
- Is research & development spending as a share of gdp rising or falling in Canada?
- Over the last ten years it is up 4.4%. The long-run trend across the full record is flat.
- Where does this Canada data come from?
- The figures come from UNESCO UIS Stat Bulk Data Download Service, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Research & development spending as a share of GDP. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Includes basic research, applied research, and experimental development.