• Summary
• Downloads
• Explanatory Notes
• Related Information
• Past Releases

RESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (R&D) GUIDELINES

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) surveys of R&D are conducted in accordance with standard guidelines promulgated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It should be noted that R&D performed overseas by Australian government and private non-profit organisations is included in the data in this publication. The extent to which this impacts on international comparisons is being investigated.

The government sector includes all federal, state and local government departments and authorities. However, for the purpose of this survey local government organisations have been excluded as research has indicated that their contribution to total R&D activity would be minimal.

REVISIONS

It should be noted that data presented in this publication may subsequently be revised. These revisions are generally small and do not impact significantly on the period to period movements. Where revisions have been applied, the estimate is annotated with an 'r'.

INQUIRIES

For further information about these and related statistics, contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or Derek Byars on Canberra (02) 6252 5627.

SUMMARY COMMENTARY

EXPENDITURE ON R&D

Expenditure on R&D carried out by Government organisations (GOVERD) in Australia in 2002-03 was estimated to be $2,482m at current prices. This represented a 5.4% increase over the two years since 2000-01. In volume terms, with the effect of changes in prices and wages and salaries removed, R&D expenditure decreased by 0.2% compared with 2000-01. GOVERD represented 0.33% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), down from 0.35% in 2000-01.

Expenditure on R&D carried out by Private non-profit organisations in Australia in 2002-03 was estimated to be $360m at current prices. This represented a 24.4% increase over the two years since 2000-01. In volume terms, R&D expenditure increased by 17.2% compared with 2000-01.

HUMAN RESOURCES DEVOTED TO R&D

Human resources devoted to R&D in Australia by Government organisations in 2002-03 was estimated to be 18,542 person years. This was 2.2% higher than in 2000-01.

Human resources devoted to R&D in Australia by Private non-profit organisations in 2002-03 was estimated to be 3,117 person years, up 11.7% on 2000-01.

PURPOSE OF RESEARCH

Most expenditure on R&D by Government organisations was directed towards Economic development ($1,341m or 54.0%). Expenditure on the Environment accounted for a further $509m or 20.5% in 2002-03.

Private non-profit organisations directed their R&D mainly towards Society ($346m or 96.2%). Within Society, the main objective was Health ($324m).