Dynamics of R&D expenditure in Europe during the last two decades

Abstract

Research and Development represents the priority for the smart growth of Europe 2020 Strategy. Performances in education, research, and innovation are important for building a digital society. The paper presents the dynamics recorded during the last two decades. There are compared the changes in the countries’ positions using a certain type of chart built for the statistical indicators: R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP and the R&D development potential. The conclusions are based on the analysis of these indicators for the European countries in the period preceding the beginning of the economic crisis.