Federal Funding for Experimental Development in FY 2021 Was Concentrated in Engineering and Life Sciences
Federal obligations for basic research, applied research, and experimental development, by broad field of R&D: FY 2021
| Field | Basic research | Applied research | Experimental development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and information sciences | 2.264 | 3.086 | 3.175 |
| Geosciences, atmospheric sciences, and ocean sciences | 1.772 | 1.797 | 2.055 |
| Life sciences | 19.008 | 19.169 | 39.394 |
| Mathematics and statistics | 0.503 | 0.212 | 0.292 |
| Physical sciences | 6.432 | 1.612 | 2.122 |
| Psychology | 1.934 | 1.836 | 0.364 |
| Social sciences | 0.537 | 0.832 | 0.139 |
| Engineering | 3.151 | 10.223 | 43.218 |
| Other fields | 6.892 | 4.982 | 13.149 |
Note(s):
Because of rounding, detail may not add to total. FY 2021 obligations include additional funding provided by supplemental COVID-19 pandemic-related appropriations (e.g., Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security [CARES] Act). As of volume 71 (FYs 2021–22), the fields of R&D (formerly, “fields of science and engineering”) were revised for consistency with other National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics surveys; some fields were added, merged, or split, and some fields were renamed. Therefore, the data are not directly comparable with totals reported in previous years.
Source(s):
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Federal Funds for Research and Development, FYs 2021–22.
In FY 2021, federal obligations for experimental development totaled $103.9 billion. Newly collected data from federal agencies on experimental development by field of research and development (R&D) show that 42% ($43.2 billion) was directed toward engineering and 38% ($39.4 billion) was directed toward life sciences. Prior to FY 2021, the Survey of Federal Funds for R&D had provided data by field of R&D for basic research and applied research only. Experimental development is defined as creative and systematic work, drawing on knowledge gained from research and practical experience and producing additional knowledge, which is directed at producing new products or processes or improving existing products or processes. Like research, experimental development results in the production of new knowledge. Previous analysis has shown that funds related to the COVID-19 pandemic accounted for $34.8 billion in obligations for experimental development in FY 2021 (see NSF 23-352). These and additional details are included in the full set of latest data tables from the Survey of Federal Funds for R&D.
Suggested Citation: Pece CV; National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES). 2024. Federal Funding for Experimental Development in FY 2021 Was Concentrated in Engineering and Life Sciences. NSF 24-314. Alexandria, VA: National Science Foundation. Available at https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf24314.
NSF 24-314
|January 16, 2024