Turkey's 2024 research and development expenditure surpasses the EU average, emphasizing university-focused projects
In 2024, the Turkish central government allocated ₺178.6 billion ($4.39 billion) to research and development (R&D) activities. The majority of this budget was directed towards general advancement of knowledge through universities, which received 68.3% of total spending.
Of the 2024 international R&D funds, ₺367 million supported bilateral or multilateral government programs, while ₺1.03 billion was allocated for international R&D initiatives. This marks a 5.4% share in the overall R&D budget.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Turkish government has planned a significant increase in R&D spending, allocating ₺236.3 billion. Of this amount, 69.5% is earmarked for universities, with ₺475 million specifically designated for international R&D funding for organizations engaged in international R&D. This represents a growth in international R&D engagement, with a forecasted ₺1.17 billion allocated for 2025.
A notable portion of the 2025 international R&D budget, ₺500 million, is planned for bilateral or multilateral R&D programs. Additionally, ₺198 million is designated for pan-European projects. This allocation represents 1.51% of the national budget.
While specific projections and comparative breakdowns for Turkey's R&D expenditures in 2025, including their distribution across basic research, applied research, and experimental development, are not currently available, general knowledge indicates that Turkey's overall Gross Domestic Expenditure on R&D (GERD) as a percentage of GDP has historically been lower than the European Union average.
The EU average R&D budget distribution typically allocates approximately 20-25% to basic research, about 25-35% to applied research, and the remaining to experimental development. Turkey’s R&D investment has been growing but tends to focus more on applied research and experimental development aligned with industrial and commercial priorities, while basic research receives a smaller share compared to many EU countries.
For precise 2025 projections and comparative breakdowns, checking official sources such as the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), the European Commission’s R&D statistics, and OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook reports would be necessary.
- In 2025, the Government of Turkiye has planned an increase in the R&D budget, allocating ₺236.3 billion, which includes ₺475 million for international R&D funding for organizations.
- The Turkish government plans to allocate ₺500 million in the 2025 international R&D budget for bilateral or multilateral R&D programs, and ₺198 million for pan-European projects.
- Looking at the European Union average R&D budget distribution, around 20-25% is usually allocated to basic research, about 25-35% to applied research, and the rest to experimental development.
- In comparison with the European Union, Turkey's overall Gross Domestic Expenditure on R&D (GERD) as a percentage of GDP has historically been lower.
- To find precise 2025 projections and comparative breakdowns of Turkey's R&D expenditures, including their distribution across basic research, applied research, and experimental development, it is recommended to check official sources such as TurkStat, the European Commission’s R&D statistics, and OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook reports.
