Research and Development in Sweden 2024 - Preliminary Statistics

No increase in R&D expenditure during 2024

Statistical news from Statistics Sweden 2025-07-10 8.00

During 2024, total intramural R&D expenditure in Sweden amounted to SEK 230.4 billion and the R&D personnel corresponded to 106 531 full-time equivalents according to preliminary figures. Sweden’s R&D intensity is calculated at 3.6 percent, a decrease by 0.04 percentage points compared to 2023.

Total R&D expenditure in Sweden increased by about SEK 6.7 billion or 3 percent between 2023-2024 in current prices. However, adjusted for inflation and expressed in fixed prices R&D expenditure are unchanged compared to 2023. The Business enterprise sector is the dominating actor in R&D in Sweden and accounted for 74 percent of total R&D expenditure in 2024. The sector saw the largest absolute increase at SEK 3.4 billion compared to 2023 in current prices. The other sectors also increased their R&D expenditures. When accounting for inflation, however, the development for both the Business enterprise sector and the Private non-profit sector turns negative, an effect of the high levels of inflation during 2023.

Sweden’s R&D intensity, measured as R&D expenditures share of GDP, is calculated at 3.6 percent in 2024, a decrease of 0.04 percentage points compared to 2023. The decrease is the result of a stronger growth in GDP than in R&D expenditure in 2024. While GDP increased by about 1 percent in fixed prices, R&D expenditure remained unchanged, resulting in a slightly lower R&D intensity.

Intramural R&D expenditure by sector of performance and R&D expenditure share of GDP, 2015-2024. SEK million in fixed prices at 2024 price level and percent respectively.

Note: The Private non-profit sector is included in the calculation of the R&D intensity but is not represented in the stacked bar chart due to its limited contribution.

Publication

More about research and development (R&D) during 2024 is presented in the report Research and Development in Sweden 2024 – Preliminary Statistics (available in Swedish only). The report also covers R&D personnel by sector and occupation.

Next publishing will be

Final statistics on R&D in Sweden 2024 will be published 2025-10-30.

Feel free to use the facts from this statistical news but remember to state Source: Statistics Sweden.

Statistical agency

Statistics Sweden

Enquiries

Elin Stendahl

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Samuel Hederén

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