Research and development intensity is calculated by the source using R&D expenditure data and manufacturers' sales data for pharmaceutical product manufacturing industries (at current prices).
The data refers to business R&D performed in the UK irrespective of the residence of the ultimate owner. Overseas activities of affiliates of UK businesses are not included by the source.
Citation formats
Pharmaceutical manufacturing: R&D intensity in the United Kingdom (UK) 2002-2018
This statistic shows the intensity of research and development within the pharmaceuticals manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom from 2002 to 2018. This is represented by R&D expenditure as a percentage of manufacturers' sales. In 2018, R&D expenditure made up an estimated 35 percent of pharmaceutical sales, a slight decline from the preceding year.
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Office for National Statistics (UK). (November 21, 2019). Research and development as a percentage of sales in pharmaceuticals manufacturing in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2002 to 2018 [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 28, 2026, from /statistics/411986/pharmaceuticals-united-kingdom-uk-research-and-development-intensity/
Office for National Statistics (UK). "Research and development as a percentage of sales in pharmaceuticals manufacturing in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2002 to 2018." Chart. November 21, 2019. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 28, 2026. /statistics/411986/pharmaceuticals-united-kingdom-uk-research-and-development-intensity/
Office for National Statistics (UK). (2019). Research and development as a percentage of sales in pharmaceuticals manufacturing in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2002 to 2018. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 28, 2026. /statistics/411986/pharmaceuticals-united-kingdom-uk-research-and-development-intensity/
Office for National Statistics (UK). "Research and Development as a Percentage of Sales in Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing in The United Kingdom (Uk) from 2002 to 2018." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 21 Nov 2019, /statistics/411986/pharmaceuticals-united-kingdom-uk-research-and-development-intensity/
Office for National Statistics (UK), Research and development as a percentage of sales in pharmaceuticals manufacturing in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2002 to 2018 ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/411986/pharmaceuticals-united-kingdom-uk-research-and-development-intensity/ (last visited July 28, 2026)
Research and development as a percentage of sales in pharmaceuticals manufacturing in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2002 to 2018 [Graph], Office for National Statistics (UK), November 21, 2019. [Online]. Available: /statistics/411986/pharmaceuticals-united-kingdom-uk-research-and-development-intensity/
