MEDIA RELEASE
October 14, 2008	Embargoed: 11.30 am (AEST)	101/2008

Business spending on research and experimental development (R&D) increased for the eighth consecutive year in 2006/07, to a total of $12 billion, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Businesses in the Mining and Information media and telecommunications industries reported the largest growth in R&D expenditure, increasing by $746 million and $341 million respectively. The major contributors to R&D expenditure were the Manufacturing ($4 billion or 31%), Mining ($3 billion or 21%), and Professional scientific and technical service industries ($2 billion or 17%).

Businesses with 200 or more employees accounted for more than two-thirds (70%) of total R&D expenditure, while those with less than five employees contributed 3%.

While most states and territories reported increased expenditure on R&D, growth since 2005/06 was strongest in New South Wales (up $428 million) and Western Australia ($382 million).

R&D expenditure in 2006/07 was up 16% in current prices. Between 2005/06 and 2006/07, business expenditure on R&D as a proportion of GDP increased from 1.07% to 1.15%. However, Australia remained below the OECD average of 1.56%.

Further information is in Research and Experimental Development, Businesses, Australia, 2006-07 (cat. no. 8104.0). This publication is available for free from the ABS web site <www.abs.gov.au>.