2023-10-21-ITIF-加拿大和美国在先进行业的研发领导者比较_42页_507kb

Report Summary: U.S. vs. Canadian R&D Spending in Advanced Sectors

Key Findings

• Overall R&D Investment: In 2021, U.S. firms spent approximately $529 billion on R&D, while Canadian firms spent $5.2 billion, making U.S. spending about 103 times higher despite U.S. GDP being only 11.7 times larger than Canada’s. This disparity highlights Canada's significant lag in R&D-intensive capabilities.

• Sector Comparison: Analysis of nine advanced, traded sectors (e.g., aerospace, pharmaceuticals, software) shows that U.S. firms consistently outspend Canadian firms across all sectors when adjusted for GDP. For instance:

  • In software and computer services, U.S. firms spent $219 billion versus $2.5 billion for Canada.
  • In pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, U.S. firms spent $138 billion vs. $966 million for Canada.
  • Size-adjusted location quotients (LQ) indicate U.S. firms spend far above global averages in most sectors, while Canadian firms fall significantly below (e.g., all sectors show LQs below 1 for Canada).

• Trends (2013-2021): U.S. R&D spending in advanced sectors increased relative to the global average, with growth in sectors like biopharma and software. Canadian R&D spending declined in most sectors, falling from 68% below global average in 2013 to 78% below in 2021. U.S. firm growth was driven by innovation in key areas, while Canada's stagnation or decline suggests inadequate investment.

Recommendations

• U.S. Policy: Congress should double the Alternative Simplified Credit (ASC) rate to 28% and restore full expensing of R&D expenditures to incentivize private investment.
• Canada Policy: Reform the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentive to align more closely with the U.S. ASC, potentially by increasing the credit rate and limiting it to expenditures above 50% of base period spending.
• Broader Actions: Both governments should consider other measures like enhancing STEM education and increasing public funding for partnerships with industry to support R&D growth.