In 2020, 25.237.240 thousand RSD of budget funds were spent for research and development (R&D) activities in the Republic of Serbia, which is an increase of 8.6% compared to the previous year, 2019.
The share of total budgetary funds for R&D in GDP reached 0.46% in 2020.
The largest percentage of budget funds for R&D went to the government sector (64.4%), followed by the higher education sector (23%). Funds from international organizations participate with 9.3% in the total funds for financing scientific research work, the non-financial (business) sector participates with 2.1%, while 1.1% of funds were allocated for the non-profit sector.
Regarding to socio-economic goals, most of the budget funds allocated for R&D were spent for the goal Industrial production and technology (22.2%). 20.9% was spent for the goal General improvement of knowledge - Research and development financed from the general funds of the university, and the least funds were spent for the goal Research and exploitation of space (0.4%).
Funds planned for the R&D budget for 2021 (before the budget revision) amounted to 23.755.647 thousand. RSD. Most funds, 22%, are planned for the goal of Industrial Production and Technology.