Greece faces low R&D investment compared to EU average

Greece is facing significant challenges regarding its investment in research and development (R&D). According to Eurostat data, state credits for R&D in 2025 are projected to be only 123 euros per capita. This figure is approximately 43% of the European Union average, which stands at 288.9 euros per capita.

Greece ranks 18th out of the 27 EU member states in this category. Leading nations in R&D spending include Luxembourg at 917.2 euros per capita, followed by Denmark and Germany. This low level of investment highlights a gap between government rhetoric regarding innovation and the actual financial resources allocated to support it.

The lack of domestic funding contributes to a trend where Greek researchers achieve success abroad due to better equipment and funding opportunities, complicating the government's efforts to achieve a ‘brain gain’ through the return of skilled citizens.