Statistical Communiqué on National Science and Technology Expenditure in 2025
2025年全国科技经费投入统计公报
In 2025, national expenditure on research and experimental development (R&D) maintained steady growth, expenditure intensity rose relatively rapidly, the proportion of basic research expenditure increased steadily, and national fiscal expenditure on science and technology continued to increase.
Technology & know-howEU industry & firmsInvestors & capital marketsMixedMaterialStructural shift
The mechanism
China reports 3,928.82 billion yuan of 2025 R&D spending, up 8.2%, with enterprises providing 77.4%. The release gives EU technology firms and investors a higher, official benchmark for the resources behind Chinese product development and scale-up. It does not alter market access or funding rules the next day; it changes competitive planning only if expenditure translates into commercially usable technologies.
The stakes
The structural issue is whether China converts rising enterprise-led R&D into durable positions in high-tech manufacturing before European firms close comparable innovation and production gaps. It matters far less if the spending yields weak productivity, duplicative projects or limited export competitiveness.
How it reaches Europe
- China publishes 2025 R&D figuresthe communiqué reports national spending, intensity and sectoral allocations
- Enterprise R&D reaches 3,039.44 billion yuancompanies accounted for 77.4% of reported national R&D expenditure
- High-tech manufacturing capacity receives supportthis inference assumes reported R&D spending improves products and production processes
- EU technology firms reset benchmarksChinese rivals' potential innovation resources affect expectations for product and cost competition