Overall, R&D managers appear slightly more optimistic about R&D investment growth going into 2015, but they remain skeptical. Year-over-year data suggest a mild upswing across several important categories, but the sum of this year's survey results is representative of a flattening trend more than anything else. New business projects remain a key driver of investment, as they have been in the past, and this year's data show some mild growth in that category following last year's drop. Collaboration activities remain strong, but the downturn in year-over-year growth in participation in alliances and joint R&D projects and in consortia for university research suggests a weak change in the market for collaborative activities. Hiring expectations for both established R&D professionals and new graduates appear to be continuing their growth across almost every industry segment. Global investment patterns also appear to be stable. While the total number of laboratories located outside the United States has risen somewhat, the overall picture does not suggest a significant shift in global investment, with the exception of a gradual decline in labs located in China. The rising concern about attracting, developing, and retaining talent, and a lack of personnel in technology projects, hangs over this year's analysis, an impression strengthened by several comments about the looming retirement bubble and an aging workforce. The trends data from last year raised concern that the 2015 survey would show a sharp drop into pessimism regarding R&D spending. That drop has not materialized; rather, this year's results seem to show a leveling off in most categories. While in itself this may be cause for optimism, particularly in contrast to the anticipated results, it is not strong enough to entirely allay the fear. Data on 2015 is indicative of inertia, not a return to growth.
