# Scotland R&D spending reaches estimated £5.2bn in 2024

> Gross research and development expenditure performed in Scotland was estimated at £5.2 billion in 2024, equal to 6.6% of the UK total.

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- Publisher: Newsverum
- Section: Economy
- Country: United Kingdom
- Published: 2026-10-10T15:52:30+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-12T06:43:40+03:00
- Event / data period: 2024
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The Scottish Government’s report on research and development expenditure in 2024, published on 7 October, estimated gross spending performed in Scotland at £5.2 billion. That was 6.6% of the United Kingdom total.

Businesses accounted for £2.8 billion, or 54.1% of the total, while higher education accounted for £2.0 billion, or 38.8%. Spending rose by £158 million in nominal terms; the inflation-adjusted increase was 0.9%. The 2024 higher-education value is an estimate and may be revised in 2027.

## Data

### Scotland research and development expenditure in 2024

Gross R&D expenditure performed in Scotland; sector shares are source estimates.

Methodology: Figures estimate gross expenditure on research and development performed in Scotland in 2024. Monetary values are at current prices unless stated otherwise; the real annual change is separately adjusted for inflation. The 2024 higher-education value is an estimate and may be revised in 2027.

| Sector | Expenditure (GBP billion) | Share of total |
|---|---|---|
| All sectors | 5.2 | 100 |
| Business | 2.8 | 54.1 |
| Higher education | 2 | 38.8 |

Sources: <https://www.gov.scot/publications/gross-expenditure-on-research-and-development-scotland-2024/>, <https://www.gov.scot/publications/gross-expenditure-on-research-and-development-scotland-2024/pages/data-and-methodology/> · Download data: [JSON](https://newsverum.com/api/v1/articles/scotland-research-development-spending-2024/data/scotland-gerd-2024-sector-spend?lang=en&format=json) · [CSV](https://newsverum.com/api/v1/articles/scotland-research-development-spending-2024/data/scotland-gerd-2024-sector-spend?lang=en&format=csv)

## Sources

- [Scottish Government](<https://www.gov.scot/publications/gross-expenditure-on-research-and-development-scotland-2024/>) (Source checked: 2026-10-10; Published: 2026-10-07)
- [Scottish Government](<https://www.gov.scot/publications/gross-expenditure-on-research-and-development-scotland-2024/pages/data-and-methodology/>) (Source checked: 2026-10-10)

## Correction history

- 2026-10-12T06:43:40+03:00: Full translations of the table text cells were added in all seven languages. Original source values and numerical observations were preserved.

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