The biotech company numbers by the country

First of all, this article is just a recap of the OECD statistics. If you are interested in the topic, I would recommend a nice article at Labbiotech.

The OECD’s latest update on key biotech indicators highlights rising stars alongside established leaders like the U.S., which reigns supreme with nearly 3,000 active companies and a robust 17% R&D intensity. But challengers are emerging. The UK’s impressive Q3 2023 surge in biotech patents, fueled by advancements in gene editing, strengthens its position as an innovation driver in Europe. Meanwhile, Belgium’s staggering 35.7% R&D intensity, driven by a thriving university-industry collaboration, proves it’s a force to be reckoned with. So, who are the frontrunners according to the OECD. Let’s explore the top contenders in the global biotech arena.

Country20172018201920202021
France2,0822,0862,2672,1441,860
United States (*)1,7722,4702,4702,9102,840
Spain1,0561,1331,1981,2331,348
Korea9469569689981,025
Germany787820844877896
Italy746759796787806
Canada6207016791,3911,738
Türkiye344347363499 
Norway288261305300295
Switzerland280#N/A347#N/A402
Belgium279#N/A327 371
Denmark214#N/A221 232
Poland188208181177173
Portugal176197222229249
Austria172#N/A#N/A200 
Czechia117114124111100
Ireland112#N/A136 137
Estonia3835373627
Slovenia3030272731