Federal Funding for Experimental Development in FY 2021 Was Concentrated in Engineering and Life Sciences | NSF

In FY 2021, federal obligations for experimental development totaled $103.9 billion. Newly collected data from federal agencies on experimental development by field of research and development (R&D) show that 42% ($43.2 billion) was directed toward engineering and 38% ($39.4 billion) was directed toward life sciences. Prior to FY 2021, the Survey of Federal Funds for R&D had provided data by field of R&D for basic research and applied research only. Experimental development is defined as creative and systematic work, drawing on knowledge gained from research and practical experience and producing additional knowledge, which is directed at producing new products or processes or improving existing products or processes. Like research, experimental development results in the production of new knowledge. Previous analysis has shown that funds related to the COVID-19 pandemic accounted for $34.8 billion in obligations for experimental development in FY 2021 (see NSF 23-352). These and additional details are included in the full set of latest data tables from the Survey of Federal Funds for R&D.

Suggested Citation: Pece CV; National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES). 2024. Federal Funding for Experimental Development in FY 2021 Was Concentrated in Engineering and Life Sciences. NSF 24-314. Alexandria, VA: National Science Foundation. Available at https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf24314.