Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD) increased 96 billion 932 million TRY in 2022 compared to the previous year and reached to 198 billion 670 million TRY. In the last 21 years, R&D expenditure has increased 10-fold, from $1.2 billion in 2002 to $12 billion in 2022. The share of R&D expenditure in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 1.32 per cent.
International Reports Emphasized Türkiye's Improved Performance
The increase in performance achieved by the investment and focus on R&D and innovation within the scope of the National Technology Initiative was also reflected in the evaluations of Türkiye in international reports. In the 2023 Country Report published by the European Commission, similar to the 2022 report, it was stated that Türkiye's preparation in the area of science and research is well advanced. It was also mentioned that Türkiye has maintained the progress it has made in the field of science and technology in recent years.
The Most R&D Expenditure Was in Private Sector
In 2022, the private sector continued to be the main driver of R&D expenditures with a share of 61.4 per cent. The share of the private sector in R&D expenditures was followed by the higher education with 33.8 per cent. The share of general government R&D expenditures, including R&D expenditures made by private non-profit sector, in total R&D expenditures was 4.8 per cent.
Private Sector Financed 50.2 per cent of R&D Expenditure
The private sector also ranked first in R&D financing with 50.2 per cent. This was followed by general government by 32.8 per cent, higher education by 15.7 per cent, funds from abroad by 1.3 per cent and other national sources by 0.02 per cent respectively in 2022.
The highest R&D expenditure in the private sector was carried out by enterprises in R&D centres and high technology activities
54.4 per cent of the 122 billion 28 million TRY R&D expenditure performed by private sector in 2022 was realized in R&D centres. It was observed that 88.5 per cent of R&D expenditures in R&D centres were carried out by large-scale enterprises.
When the enterprises that carry out R&D activities in the manufacturing industry are classified according to their technology levels, it was seen that 49.1 per cent of the 72 billion 311 million TRY R&D expenditure made in the manufacturing industry in 2022 was carried out by the enterprises involved in high technology activities. Of the total R&D expenditure in the manufacturing industry, 37.3 per cent was carried out by enterprises in medium-high technology activity, 9.4 per cent by enterprises in medium-low technology activity and 4.3 per cent by enterprises in low-technology activity.
The Number of R&D Personnel Increased
In the last 21 years, the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) R&D personnel has increased approximately 10-fold, from 28 thousand 964 in 2002 to 272 thousand 638 in 2022.
In 2022, the share of the private sector in total R&D personnel was 63.3 per cent. The number of FTE R&D personnel of the private sector increased 29 times in the last 21 years and reached 172 thousand 593. Regarding FTE R&D personnel distribution by other sectors, 33.2 per cent was employed in higher education and 3.5 per cent was employed in general government including private non-profit sector.
The ratio of R&D personnel that have doctorate or equivalent education status in total R&D personnel was 29.7 per cent and 21.4 per cent in FTE terms.
The ratio of female R&D personnel was 34.1 per cent in terms of FTE
Total number of female FTE R&D personnel was 93 thousand 41 in 2022 which constitutes 34.1 per cent of total FTE R&D personnel. When the sectors were taken into consideration, the ratio of female R&D personnel in terms of FTE was 47.5 per cent in higher education, 31 per cent in the general government and 27.3 per cent in private sector.
60 Thousand 750 Researchers Were Employed in the Manufacturing Industry in 2022
When the number of researchers in the enterprises carrying out R&D activities in the manufacturing industry was examined, it was seen that the highest number of researchers was employed by enterprises conducting medium-high technology activities with 45.3 per cent in 2022. This was followed by enterprises carrying out high technology activities with 33.6 per cent.
Detailed information can be accessed from TurkStat web page
Updated 2022 R&D data graphs and tables are available on the web page of TÜBİTAK Science, Technology and Innovation Policies Directorate
09.01.2024
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