Fact Check: "Research and development (R&D) expenditures in the U.S. were about $500 billion in 2019."
What We Know
The claim that U.S. R&D expenditures were about $500 billion in 2019 is inaccurate. According to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, total U.S. R&D expenditures reached approximately $667 billion in 2019. This figure includes contributions from various sectors, with the business sector accounting for about 75% of the total, while higher education and federal government contributions were 12% and 9%, respectively (source-1).
The reported increase in R&D spending from previous years was significant, with a rise of $62 billion from 2018 to 2019 (source-2). This upward trend in R&D investment reflects a broader commitment to research and innovation within the U.S. economy.
Analysis
The claim's reliance on a figure of $500 billion appears to stem from outdated or misinterpreted data. For context, the $667 billion figure for 2019 represents a substantial increase compared to earlier years, such as $605 billion in 2018 and $554 billion in 2017 (source-1).
The sources used to derive the accurate R&D expenditure figures are credible and come from the National Science Foundation, which is recognized for its rigorous data collection and analysis methodologies. The data is based on comprehensive surveys of R&D performers across various sectors, ensuring a reliable representation of national R&D expenditures (source-2).
In contrast, the claim of $500 billion lacks a clear source or context, which raises concerns about its validity. Without supporting evidence or a credible reference, it is difficult to ascertain the origin of this figure.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that U.S. R&D expenditures were about $500 billion in 2019 is false. The actual figure, as reported by authoritative sources, is approximately $667 billion. This discrepancy highlights the importance of consulting reliable data sources when discussing national expenditures on research and development.
Sources
- New Data on U.S. R&D: Summary Statistics from the 2019-20 Edition of ... (https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf22314)
- U.S. R&D increased by $62 billion in 2019, to $667 billion; estimate ... (https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf22330)
- PDF 18. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT - GovInfo (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BUDGET-2019-PER/pdf/BUDGET-2019-PER-7-5.pdf)
- Businesses Reported an 11.8% Increase to Nearly a Half Trillion Dollars ... (https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf22303/section/8595)
