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Latin America & Caribbean R&D expenditure % GDP 2026: Interactive Chart & Historical Data

R&D expenditure % GDP in Latin America & Caribbean stood at 0.68% of GDP in 2023, according to World Bank. The latest value is up 0.03 percentage points from 0.66% of GDP in 2022. Ten years earlier, in 2013, the value was 0.71% of GDP (down 0.03 percentage points since). The highest value since 2000 was 0.75% of GDP in 2014, the lowest 0.52% of GDP in 2002.

Data source: World Bank · Unit: % of GDP · Category: Technology and Internet · Explore more indicators on EconDash

Data updated:Last checked:Frequency:AnnualCoverage:1996–2024
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What is R&D expenditure % GDP?

R&D expenditure % GDP, measured in % of GDP, measures the total economic output of Latin America & Caribbean . It represents the broadest indicator of economic activity, capturing production, income, and expenditure across all sectors — from manufacturing and services to agriculture and government. GDP can be calculated three ways: by adding up all expenditures (consumption + investment + government spending + net exports), by summing all incomes earned, or by totaling value added at each production stage. In Latin America & Caribbean , the statistical agency compiles GDP data through comprehensive surveys of businesses, government records, and household expenditure patterns. While GDP per capita provides insight into average living standards, it does not capture income distribution, environmental costs, or unpaid work like caregiving. Nevertheless, GDP growth remains the most widely followed metric for assessing whether an economy is expanding or contracting.

Key facts

What is the latest R&D expenditure % GDP in Latin America & Caribbean ?

R&D expenditure % GDP in Latin America & Caribbean stood at 0.68% of GDP in 2023, according to World Bank.

Is R&D expenditure % GDP in Latin America & Caribbean rising or falling?

The latest value is up 0.03 percentage points from 0.66% of GDP in 2022. Ten years earlier, in 2013, the value was 0.71% of GDP (down 0.03 percentage points since).

What is the highest R&D expenditure % GDP on record in Latin America & Caribbean ?

The highest value since 2000 was 0.75% of GDP in 2014, the lowest 0.52% of GDP in 2002.

Metadata for R&D expenditure % GDP in Latin America & Caribbean
IndicatorR&D expenditure % GDP
CountryLatin America & Caribbean
CategoryTechnology and Internet
Unit% of GDP
SourceWorld Bank
Interactive chartView on EconDash
API accessEconDash API documentation

Latest value: 0.68% of GDP (2023)

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Cite this chart
APA

World Bank. (2026). R&D expenditure % GDP — Latin America & Caribbean [Data set]. Retrieved November 13, 2026, from EconDash: https://econdash.org/chart/r-and-d-expenditure-percent-gdp/LCN. Original source: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS

MLA

World Bank. "R&D expenditure % GDP — Latin America & Caribbean ." EconDash, 2026, https://econdash.org/chart/r-and-d-expenditure-percent-gdp/LCN. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026. Original source: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS.

Chicago

World Bank. 2026. "R&D expenditure % GDP — Latin America & Caribbean ." EconDash. Accessed November 13, 2026. https://econdash.org/chart/r-and-d-expenditure-percent-gdp/LCN. Original source: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS.

BibTeX
@misc{econdash_r_and_d_expenditure_percent_gdp_lcn,
  author = {{World Bank}},
  title = {{R\&D expenditure \% GDP --- Latin America \& Caribbean }},
  howpublished = {EconDash},
  year = {2026},
  url = {https://econdash.org/chart/r-and-d-expenditure-percent-gdp/LCN},
  note = {Accessed: 2026-11-13. Original source: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS}
}