EU companies drove strong research and development (R&D) growth in energy, health, aerospace and defence in 2024, according to the 2025 EU Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard published today. While the report highlights Europe's leadership in key industries, it also underscores the intense pressure from global competition, particularly in the information and Communication technologies (ICT).

In 2024, the EU's leading industrial R&D investors in the electricity and renewable energy sectors increased their R&D investment by 19.8% and capital expenditure by 17.8%. This is a positive step toward achieving the goals of the Clean Industrial Deal. In the health sector, leading firms increased R&D investment by 13 % – a significantly higher growth rate than in other parts of the world. Additionally, European aerospace and defence firms are investing 4.8% more to increase Europe's defence readiness.