EXPENDITURE ON R&D
Expenditure on R&D carried out by Government organisations (GOVERD) in Australia in 2000-01 was estimated to be $2,368m at current prices. This represented a 14% increase over the two years since 1998-99. In volume terms, with the effect of changes in prices and wages and salaries removed, R&D expenditure increased by 7% compared with 1998-99. GOVERD represented 0.35% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the same as in 1998-99.
Expenditure on R&D carried out by Private non-profit organisations in Australia in 2000-01 was estimated to be $283m at current prices. This represented an increase of 29% compared with 1998-99. In volume terms, R&D expenditure increased by 20% compared with 1998-99.
HUMAN RESOURCES DEVOTED TO R&D
Human resources devoted to R&D in Australia by Government organisations in 2000-01 was estimated to be 18,407 person years. This was 2% lower than in 1998-99.
Human resources devoted to R&D in Australia by Private non-profit organisations in 2000-01 was estimated to be 2,721 person years, up 10% from 1998-99.
PURPOSE OF RESEARCH
Most expenditure on R&D by Government organisations was directed towards Economic development ($1,375m or 58%). Expenditure on the Environment accounted for a further $431m or 18% in 2000-01.
Private non-profit organisations directed their R&D mainly towards Health ($257m or 91%).