The European Commission has published its “2010 EU Survey on R&D Investment Business Trend”. The report is based on 205 responses from mainly larger companies responsible for R&D investment worth almost €40 billion. The key findings of the report showed that companies’ R&D investment is expected to grow by 5%, more than double the expectations of last year's survey.

The responding companies carry out one-quarter of their R&D outside the EU. The largest share of foreign R&D investment is in the US and Canada (13%), followed by India (2.6%), China (2.2%), other European countries (1.9%), Japan (1%) and the rest of the world. Expectations for R&D investment growth within the EU have increased to 3%, but are the lowest compared to the other world regions.

The patterns and trends of knowledge sharing activities showed a focus within the EU, but with stronger growth expected outside the EU.

The responding companies report that an average 27% of annual sales came from innovative products and services introduced in the past three years. Availability of qualified personnel and public support had a positive effect on the company's innovation activities. Recruitment of qualified employees, collaboration with universities and companies and participation in conferences were important for company innovation.

For further details on the report see: http://ec.europa.eu/ireland/press_office/news_of_the_day/eu-r-and-d-investors-increase-spending_en.htm