Greece’s public expenditure on research and development (R&D) saw a slight decline in 2025, according to preliminary data released by Eurostat, reinforcing long-standing concerns regarding the country’s chronic underinvestment in a sector vital to national competitiveness, higher education, and economic innovation.
According to Eurostat figures, government budget allocations for R&D (GBARD) in Greece fell to €1.27 billion in 2025, down from €1.30 billion in 2024. Expressed as a share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), state spending dropped to 0.51% (down from 0.55% in 2024), while per-capita allocations eased to €123.00, compared to €125.80 the previous year.
The EU Landscape & Big Spenders
Across the European Union, total government R&D allocations stood at 0.69% of GDP in 2025 (averaging €188.80 per person), representing a minor shift from 0.70% in 2024. Across the bloc, total public R&D allocations reached €32.8 billion.
The data highlights a significant divide between Member States, with several Northern and Central European economies leading the bloc in state-backed innovation. Germany and Finland topped the list in terms of GDP share, allocating 1.03% and 1.02% of GDP respectively, followed closely by Denmark at 0.98%.
When looking at per-capita investment, the EU’s biggest spenders were led by Luxembourg with €682 per person, Denmark with €658, and Germany with €440, contrasting sharply with Southern European averages.
Private Sector Takes the Lead
While government budgets faced slight cutbacks, the private sector has increasingly stepped in to anchor national research initiatives in Greece.
Data from Greece’s National Documentation Centre (EKT) shows that businesses accounted for 46.5%—or €1.68 billion—of total R&D expenditure in 2024. By comparison, direct state funding contributed 33.5%, reflecting a broader structural shift where private enterprise serves as the primary driver of national research funding.
Related: Greece Ranks 42nd in Global Innovation Index Despite Strong Talent
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