TOKYO — China has overtaken the United States to become the world's top spender on research and development (R&D) by companies and universities, according to new Japanese data reported on August 7, 2026. The surge in China's R&D spending, which reached $615 billion for 2024, is largely attributed to increased corporate investment in computers and electronics. This shift comes as Beijing intensifies efforts to accelerate technological development in response to Washington's export restrictions on semiconductor chips.

The data highlights a significant change in the global innovation landscape, with China now leading in corporate and academic R&D expenditures. The move underscores Beijing's strategic focus on advancing its technology sector amid ongoing trade and technology tensions with the United States.

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