Toyota Leads Global R&D Investment in 2008

Strategic Insights -

As the global economy faced a recession, companies invested more in research and development (R&D) in 2008, with Toyota Motor Corp. emerging as the world's largest single investor in R&D, according to an annual report released by the European Union's European Commission. The Japanese automaker spent 7,610.32 million euros in 2008, surpassing Microsoft Corp. and Volkswagen AG. The report highlighted significant R&D investments by companies in emerging economies, including a 40% increase in China, 27.3% in India, and 18.6% in Brazil.

Key Takeaways:

  • Toyota Motor Corp. invested 7,610.32 million euros in R&D in 2008, surpassing Microsoft Corp. and Volkswagen AG.
  • The report highlighted 13 Japanese companies among the top 50 R&D investors, including Honda Motor Co. (11th), Panasonic Corp. (14th), Sony Corp. (16th), and Nissan Motor Co. (22nd).
  • Companies in emerging economies showed significant R&D investment growth, with a 40% increase in China, 27.3% in India, and 18.6% in Brazil.
  • Research and development spending worldwide increased by 6.9% in 2008 compared to the preceding year.
  • The European Union area recorded the largest percentage spending increase of 8.1% in R&D spending, followed by U.S. companies with a 5.7% increase and Japanese companies with a 4.4% increase.

Statistics:

  • Toyota Motor Corp. spent 7,610.32 million euros in R&D in 2008.
  • Companies in the European Union area recorded an 8.1% increase in R&D spending in 2008.
  • U.S. companies spent 5.7% more and Japanese companies 4.4% more on R&D in 2008.
  • Companies in emerging economies showed significant R&D investment growth, with a 40% increase in China, 27.3% in India, and 18.6% in Brazil.

Sources:

  • European Union's European Commission annual report
  • Kyodo News International
  • McClatchy-Tribune Information Services