Saudi Arabia increased research and development (R&D) spending to $6.02 billion in 2023. This marks a 17.4% rise from 2022. Official data revealed the growth in R&D human resources as well. The workforce reached 49,337 by the end of 2023, up by 12.2%. The number of researchers increased to 36,832, showing a 22.1% annual rise.
Vision 2030 prioritizes R&D in energy, technology, and sustainability.
These efforts aim to reduce oil dependence and diversify the economy. R&D employees in higher education grew significantly, reaching 37,540 in 2023. This reflects a growing focus on education and research investment.
In August 2023, Saudi Aramco announced a $100 million investment over the next decade. The funding supports research at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). This partnership focuses on energy transition, sustainability, and digital technologies.
