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.
Country | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
France | 2,082 | 2,086 | 2,267 | 2,144 | 1,860 |
United States (*) | 1,772 | 2,470 | 2,470 | 2,910 | 2,840 |
Spain | 1,056 | 1,133 | 1,198 | 1,233 | 1,348 |
Korea | 946 | 956 | 968 | 998 | 1,025 |
Germany | 787 | 820 | 844 | 877 | 896 |
Italy | 746 | 759 | 796 | 787 | 806 |
Canada | 620 | 701 | 679 | 1,391 | 1,738 |
Türkiye | 344 | 347 | 363 | 499 | |
Norway | 288 | 261 | 305 | 300 | 295 |
Switzerland | 280 | #N/A | 347 | #N/A | 402 |
Belgium | 279 | #N/A | 327 | 371 | |
Denmark | 214 | #N/A | 221 | 232 | |
Poland | 188 | 208 | 181 | 177 | 173 |
Portugal | 176 | 197 | 222 | 229 | 249 |
Austria | 172 | #N/A | #N/A | 200 | |
Czechia | 117 | 114 | 124 | 111 | 100 |
Ireland | 112 | #N/A | 136 | 137 | |
Estonia | 38 | 35 | 37 | 36 | 27 |
Slovenia | 30 | 30 | 27 | 27 | 31 |