On a global basis, spending on R&D is increasing rapidly. Global research collaboration (between companies, and between companies and universities) is booming, as is patenting; in fact, it is next to impossible for patent authorities in the U.S. to keep up with demand. Rapidly growing sectors in U.S., Japanese, Indian and Chinese research include alternative energy, such as solar power, to oil exploration technologies, to superconductivity, to nuclear generation. The energy sector will receive even more R&D emphasis due to extremely high global demand for electricity and transportation fuels. In this mutable industry, it can be difficult to keep up with the constantly occurring rapid changes. A recent report published by Plunkett Research, Ltd., provides important industry statistics and analysis of the industry’s major trends, including:

1) R&D in China Becomes a Major Factor.

There are three trends at work in the growth of R&D in China. The first is that the government of China has an aggressive goal for the nation’s R&D investment. Second, Chinese companies are enjoying escalating success in the global marketplace. Next, hundreds of non-Chinese companies of many types have set up serious research labs in China.

2) The Automation of Research and Design Steams Ahead.

The news for automated research tools is excellent, and many firms that manufacture such tools are enjoying booming business. Advances in CAD (computer-aided design) and CAE (computer-aided engineering) hybrids are revolutionizing the way in which new designs are tested and enhanced.

3) Massive Funding for Nuclear Fusion Projects.

Nuclear fusion is an atomic energy-releasing process in which light weight atomic nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei. The result is the release of a tremendous amount of energy in the form of heat. This is essentially the same process that produces energy in the Sun and other stars. As of 2008, nuclear fusion had yet to be made practical as a commercial energy source, but several well-funded efforts are attempting to do so.

To find out more about these exciting trends and others, check out Plunkett’s Engineering & Research Industry Almanac 2008, or go to www.plunkettresearch.com and sign up for a subscription to Plunkett’s completely up-to-date online database!

About Plunkett Research, Ltd.
Plunkett Research, Ltd. is a leading publisher of complete business research and analysis resources designed to enable professionals in marketing, research and finance to access complete trends analysis, statistics, technology analysis and financial analysis of the world’s most exciting industries. For more information, visit www.plunkettresearch.com, or call 713.932.0000.