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Highlights

Research and development in the health field, 1996 to 2007 (preliminary)

1. Spending on research and development (R&D) in the health field accounted for just over one-fifth of total spending on R&D last year, according to preliminary data (table 1-1).
2. Spending on research and development in health is estimated to reach $6.3 billion in 2007. This accounted for 21.8% of total R&D spending (table 1-1).
3. The higher education sector remained the most important sector conducting health R&D, performing an estimated $4.1 billion worth in 2007. The business enterprise sector, in second place, dedicated $1.9 billion (table 1-2).
4. These two sectors accounted for the vast majority of work performing health R&D. They were also the leading funding sectors for health R&D, accounting for just over one-half of the funds dedicated to health in 2007 (table 1-2).
5. The federal government was still the third most important funding sector for health R&D, accounting for one-fifth of the funds invested in this field.
6. The private non-profit sector contributed slightly over $500 million, while foreign funders invested just over $800 million (table 1-2).
7. On a per capita basis, health R&D spending increased from $163 in 2003 to an estimated $192 in 2007 (table 1-1).