Engineering & Research Industry Market Research

Competitive Intelligence, Business Analysis, Forecasts, Market Size, Trends, Companies, Statistics

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Engineering, Research & Development OVERVIEW

The engineering and research industry is experiencing a remarkable transformation, driven by a confluence of advanced technologies, global collaboration and strategic investments.  As of 2025, key trends are reshaping how research is conducted and how innovations reach the market.
1. Global R&D Expansion and Collaboration
Global R&D spending is projected to exceed $2.7 trillion in 2024, with the U.S. leading in absolute investment, though countries like Israel and South Korea surpass the U.S. in R&D spending as a share of GDP.  China, in particular, has become a dominant force, investing heavily in research parks, patent development and education, with over $780 billion allocated in 2023 alone.  Additionally, countries such as India, Taiwan and Singapore are becoming key players through offshored research partnerships and domestic innovation incentives.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI): The New Engine of Innovation
AI has rapidly emerged as a cornerstone of both engineering design and scientific discovery.  In engineering, AI accelerates virtual prototyping and system testing.  In pharmaceuticals and biotech, it expedites the discovery of new compounds and optimizes clinical trial processes.  AI also supports predictive maintenance in industries like aerospace and manufacturing, reducing costs and boosting efficiency.
3. The Biotech Boom
The biotech industry is entering a “bioindustrial era,” characterized by genetically engineered drugs, CRISPR gene editing and personalized medicine.  Advances in synthetic biology, bioenzymes for manufacturing and biofuels from algae illustrate biotechnology’s potential to revolutionize not just healthcare, but agriculture and energy.  Governments and private firms worldwide are investing heavily in biotech parks and R&D, particularly in China, India and Singapore.
4. Electrification and Sustainable Transportation
Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are driving significant changes in the automotive sector.  Global EV sales reached 14 million units in 2023, with automakers investing in next-generation battery technologies and infrastructure.  However, challenges persist, including battery costs, charging networks and supply chain dependencies, particularly on China.  Meanwhile, hydrogen fuel cell research and electric trucks are gaining traction, especially for long-haul and industrial use.
5. Space: The Final (Commercial) Frontier
Space research is undergoing privatization at scale.  Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are pioneering reusable rocket technologies, drastically cutting launch costs and opening up opportunities in satellite deployment, space tourism and even pharmaceutical manufacturing in microgravity.  With geopolitical tensions rising, space is also becoming increasingly strategic for national defense and economic interests.
6. Advanced Materials and Robotics
Engineering breakthroughs are also being driven by new materials such as high-performance thermoplastics and nanocomposites.  These materials enable stronger, lighter and more efficient products across industries, from aerospace to consumer electronics.  Meanwhile, industrial robotics and automation, powered by AI, are revolutionizing manufacturing, particularly in high-cost labor markets such as the U.S. and China.
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WE PROFILE HUNDREDS OF TOP COMPANIES:

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PLUNKETT PROVIDES IN-DEPTH STATISTICS TABLES COVERING THE FOLLOWING INDUSTRY TOPICS:

Top Companies Profiled

The following is a partial listing for this industry. As a subscriber, you will have access to the leading companies and top growth companies. This includes publicly-held, private, subsidiary and joint venture companies, on a global basis as well as in the U.S.


Hundreds of Top Companies Profiled, Including:

PLUNKETT PROVIDES UNIQUE ANALYSIS OF THE FOLLOWING TRENDS THAT ARE DRIVING THIS INDUSTRY:

Key Findings:

A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms within the Engineering & Research Industry. Gain vital insights that can help shape strategy for business development, product development and investments.

Key Features:

  • Business trends analysis
  • In-depth industry overview
  • Technology trends analysis
  • Forecasts
  • Spending, investment, and consumption discussions
  • In-depth industry statistics and metrics
  • Industry employment numbers

Additional Key Features Include:

Industry Glossary

Industry Contacts list, including Professional Societies and Industry Associations

Profiles of industry-leading companies

  • U.S. and Global Firms
  • Publicly held, Private and Subsidiaries
  • Executive Contacts
  • Revenues

  • For Public Companies: Detailed Financial Summaries

  • Statistical Tables

Key Questions Answered Include:

  • How is the industry evolving?
  • How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
  • How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
  • What is the size of the market now and in the future?
  • What are the financial results of the leading companies?
  • What are the names and titles of top executives?
  • What are the top companies and what are their revenues?

This feature-rich report covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the Engineering & Research Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends Affecting the Engineering & Research Industry

  1. Major Trends Affecting the Engineering & Research Industry

  2. Introduction to the Engineering & Research Industry

  3. A Short History of U.S. Industrial Research & Development

  4. R&D Expands in Chinese Research Parks/Patent Filings Soar

  5. Outsourcing and Offshoring of Research, Development and Engineering Grow Along With Globalization

  6. Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) Adds Value to Contract Electronics Manufacturing

  7. The State of the Biotechnology Industry Today

  8. Nations Compete Fiercely in Biotech Development

  9. Globalization and Worldwide Collaboration Fuel the Research Efforts of Major Corporations

  10. Number of Patent Applications Remains High/Patent Laws Change

  11. 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing), Rapid Prototyping and Computer Aided Design

  12. Industrial Robots and Factory Automation Advance Through Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  13. Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Power Research Continues/Fuel Cell Cars Enter Market

  14. Electric Cars (EVs) and Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) Spur Changes at Auto Makers/Hybrid Sales See Sharp Growth

  15. Major Technology Research in Batteries/Massive Investments in Battery Factories and Power Storage

  16. Supercomputing Hits 1,742 Petaflops

  17. Superconductivity Provides Advanced Electricity Distribution Technology

  18. Private, Reusable Rockets Launch Commercial Satellites and Serve Both the U.S. Military & NASA

  19. Technology Discussion—Synthetic Biology

  20. The Future of Transportation and Supply Chains: Massive Investments in Infrastructure & Mobility Services

  21. HPTP Thermoplastics, Thermoset and Engineered Plastics Enable Advanced Products/Nanocomposites Offer the Ultimate in Advanced Materials

  22. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Deep Learning and Machine Learning Advance into Commercial Applications, Including Health Care and Robotics

  23. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Enables Efficiencies and Accelerated Innovation in R&D

  24. The Future of Space Commercialization and Private Rocket Launch Services

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Engineering & Research Industry Statistics

  1. Engineering & Research Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview

  2. Quarterly Engineering & Research Industry Revenues, U.S.: 2024

  3. Engineering & Scientific Research & Development Services: Estimated Sources of Revenue, U.S.: 2018-2022

  4. Federal R&D Funding by Character of Work and Facilities and Equipment, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025

  5. Federal R&D Budget & Distribution by Agency, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025

  6. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for National Defense, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025

  7. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Health and Human Services, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025

  8. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Space Flight, Research & Supporting Activities, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025

  9. NASA Budget Appropriations & Projections: 2023-2029

  10. Federal R&D & R&D Funding for Basic Research, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025

  11. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Agriculture, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025

  12. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Transportation, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025

  13. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Energy, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2023-2025

  14. U.S. Department of Energy Funding for Science & Energy Programs: 2023-2025

  15. U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) Budget: Fiscal Years 2023-2025

  16. NSF Budget by Appropriation (Dollars in Millions), Fiscal Years 2023-2025

  17. Research Funding for Biological Sciences, U.S. National Science Foundation: Fiscal Years 2023-2025

  18. Research Funding for Engineering, U.S. National Science Foundation: Fiscal Years 2023-2025

  19. Top 30 U.S. Patent Recipient Organizations: 2024

  20. The U.S. Drug Discovery & Approval Process

  21. Employment in Engineering Occupations by Business Type, U.S.: 2021 - 2025

  22. Employment in Life & Physical Science Occupations by Business Type, U.S.: May 2024

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eBook or Book:

This industry onlyPublication date: Jul 2025
ISBN-13: 978-1-64788-568-7
ISBN-13: 978-1-64788-076-7
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