Companies increase overseas R&D funding

The hunt for top research skills and the attraction of large, fast growing markets is encouraging more companies to invest in overseas research and development (R&D), according to a new report published today by the Economist Intelligence Unit and sponsored by Scottish Development International.

A total of 52% of companies plan to increase their overseas investment in R&D in the next three years, while a further 38% will maintain current spending levels over the same period, according to a global survey of 104 senior executives conducted for the report by the Economist Intelligence Unit.