R&D spending patterns of global firms

Analysis of R&D spending by 300 global firms shows that computer software and pharmaceutical firms spend the most. The U.S. companies continue to dominate most industrial segments, having reestablished the spending leadership position they, held prior to 1991. Also, although R&D spending as a percentage of sales has remained fairly constant for most of the firms, there has been a surge in patenting. It is concluded that global companies will have to manage research and technology more effectively, faking into account such factors as technology trajectory changes, market dynamics and changing customer preferences.