Research & development spending as a share of GDP in Pakistan
Pakistan: Research & development spending as a share of GDP was 0.2% in 2023. ◆ Volatile
Research & development spending as a share of GDP in Pakistan, 1997–2023
Source: UNESCO UIS Stat Bulk Data Download Service, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in % of GDP.
Analysis
Pakistan recorded 0.2% for research & development spending as a share of gdp in 2023.
The figure is down 0.2% on the previous year and down 37.4% over ten years.
Over the whole period, research & development spending as a share of gdp in Pakistan peaked at 0.5% in 2007 and was at its lowest, 0.1%, in 2000.
That places Pakistan 94th out of 116 countries with data for 2023, putting it in the bottom quarter.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 3 |
| 2000s | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.5% | 6 |
| 2010s | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 5 |
| 2020s | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 2 |
Countries ranked near Pakistan
More science & technology data for Pakistan
- Scientific and technical journal articles 20,519 (2023)
- Mobile phone subscriptions 193.11 million (2024)
- Mobile phone subscriptions per 100 people 76.85 per 100 people (2024)
- Mobile and landline phone subscriptions per 100 people 76.85 per 100 people (2024)
- Patent applications, nonresidents 567 (2021)
- Share of the population using the Internet 57.3% (2024)
- Patent applications, residents 426 (2021)
- Research and development expenditure 0.2% (2023)
- Number of people using the Internet 44.50 million users (2020)
- Landline Internet subscriptions per 100 people 1.47 per 100 people (2024)
Frequently asked questions
- What is research & development spending as a share of gdp in Pakistan?
- Research & development spending as a share of gdp in Pakistan was 0.2% in 2023, 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 Pakistan?
- The highest recorded value was 0.5% in 2007.
- What is the lowest research & development spending as a share of gdp recorded in Pakistan?
- The lowest recorded value was 0.1% in 2000.
- How does Pakistan rank for research & development spending as a share of gdp?
- Pakistan ranks 94th out of 116 countries with data for 2023.
- Is research & development spending as a share of gdp rising or falling in Pakistan?
- Over the last ten years it is down 37.4%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this Pakistan 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.