The 14th edition of PwC’s Strategy& Global Innovation 1000 Study shows the largest investments in R&D made by global public companies. Such investments are important for the development of both companies and countries’ economies.
Moreover, in some countries, including the US, the R&D spending is free from income tax. That is why it is not included in the tax return, which gives companies more freedom to conduct various research and develop new technologies. Thus, their core business performance does not fall.
Amazon.com, Inc. – $22.6 bln
Industry: Internet and retail business
Amazon retains top spot as the world’s largest corporate spender on research and development. In 2017, the company spent 41% more than in the previous year.
Most money was invested in AWS (Cloud Computing Services), Alexa, and technologies.
Alphabet Inc. – $16.20 bln
Industry: Software and services
Alphabet/Google, one of the US technological giants, is the second in the list. In 2017, it increased the R&D spending to $16.20 bln from $13.95 bln.
Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft – $15.80 bln
Industry: Car industry
Volkswagen CEO Matthias Mueller said that the company would become “a world-leading provider of sustainable mobility” by 2025. In 2017, the carmaker allocated $2 bln more than in the previous year. That is why it took the third place.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. – $15.30 bln
Industry: Hardware technologies and equipment
In 2017, Samsung Electronics made a total investment of more than 16.8 trillion won ($15.3 bln). The sum grew by $1 bln compared to 2016.
Intel Corp. – $13.10 bln
Industry: Semiconductor industry
The fifth place is occupied by Intel, the US chipmaker. In 2017, Intel invested $13.1 bln in research and development that significantly exceeded investments made by other leaders in the semiconductor industry.
The company’s specialists mentioned that higher R&D spending should match the development of new technologies and the implementation of ready-made technical processes. Otherwise, the company’s income can be significantly lower compared to its rivals’ earnings.
Microsoft Corp. – $12.30 bln
Industry: Software and services
Microsoft is the sixth among leaders of the R&D spending. The company continues opening research and development centers all over the world. Besides, it is attracting more and more IT specialists and scientists thus boosting the global innovation ecosystem.
At the same time, in 2017, the company reduced its R&D spending to $12.3 bln from $13 bln in 2016.
Apple Inc. – $11.60 bln
Industry: Hardware technologies and equipment
Apple’s investment in research and development did not exceed 5% for a long period of time. However, recent reports showed that the spending grew for the first time since the first iPhone was developed. Thus, in 2016, investment in research and development totaled $10 bln whereas, in 2017, the company spent $11.6 bln. That is why the seventh place goes to Apple.
Moreover, Apple has invited new employers who specialize in research and development. In the near future, the company is planning to focus on entirely new projects, including autonomous driving systems and augmented reality devices.
Roche Holding AG – $10.80 bln
Industry: Pharmaceuticals/Biotechnologies
Roche, a Swiss holding, is a good example showing that by 2020, more and more companies will invest in research and development of the healthcare industry. The company’s income dropped by $1 bln. However, it allocated money for research and development and took the eighth place in the list.
Johnson&Johnson – $10.60 bln
Industry: Pharmaceuticals/Biotechnologies
Johnson&Johnson is one of the largest producers of medications, body care products, and medical equipment. In 2017, the US company expanded its spending on research and development to $10.36 bln from $9.1 bln. Johnson&Johnson moved into the ninth place of the rating.
Merck & Co., Inc. – $10.20 bln
Industry: Pharmaceuticals/Biotechnologies
Merck&Co. finishes the list of the top 10 spenders on research and development. It is one of the largest companies in the pharmaceutical industry. It has been conducting its own pharmaceutical researches for almost 90 years. Being one of the leaders in the healthcare industry, Merck&Co. spent $10.2 bln on research and development in 2017. In the previous year, the company allocated $10.10 bln.
Following his election victory, Donald Trump, a billionaire himself, once again decided to include prominent magnates in his administration, as he did during his first presidential term. As a result, Trump's current cabinet features seven billionaires, making it one of the wealthiest in US history. Let's find out who these billionaires are and the roles they have been assigned.
Not long ago, the United States held a presidential election, where Donald Trump emerged victorious. Today, he is recognized as the wealthiest American leader in the country's history. Let's take a closer look at other former US presidents who also achieved significant financial success.
