The number of personnel in research and development (R&D) in Ukraine has decreased significantly since independence, and spending on science as a share of GDP has fallen to one of its lowest levels, according to the Expert Club Information and Analytical Center.
According to the data presented in the article, the share of research and development spending in Ukraine’s GDP in recent years has been around 0.33%, while in 2010 it was estimated at 0.75%. In absolute terms, R&D spending in 2023 is estimated at UAH 21.35 billion.
The authors of the material note that the scientific workforce is deteriorating due to low funding and the status of the profession: the number of people employed in R&D has fallen from over 400,000 in 1991 to 63,800 in 2024. The publication also gives an example of the level of remuneration: the salary of a senior researcher at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine is estimated at UAH 13,034.
The article separately mentions the impact of the war: with reference to a UNESCO report, it states that as a result of Russian aggression, 12% of scientists were forced to emigrate or relocate within the country, with about 30% starting to work remotely.
As noted, the problem of an aging workforce is also intensifying: the most numerous age group in science is scientists over 65, and the share of researchers aged 55+ is estimated at approximately 40%.
Experts Club also describes state initiatives to support the human resources potential of science, including the concept of the “National System of Researchers of Ukraine,” and lists the proposed measures: compliance with the norm on financing science at the level of 1.7% of GDP, increasing the remuneration of scientists, and expanding competitive funding for scientific teams.
The author of the material is Volodymyr Khaustov, scientific secretary of the State Institution “Institute of Economics and Forecasting of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine”;
Source: Information and Analytical Center “Club of Experts” and Khaustov’s article posted on the website of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency – https://interfax.com.ua/news/blog/1134413.html
