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The scientific balance of power

Nature volume 439, pages 646–647 (2006)Cite this article

The world's most advanced economies are losing their scientific edge, some analysts claim. Fearing, that weak research budgets will lead to weak economies, lawmakers on both sides of the Atlantic are preparing to pour billions of dollars into research and development (R&D; see pages 633 and 644).

The results confirm that, at least for now, the United States, Japan and western Europe have a commanding lead over the lest of the world. The United States, in particular, dominates global sciences, spending an astounding US$134 billion on R&D this year alone — more than any other country or region. Much of that money, about 60%, is spent on defence-related R&D, but even when those funds are subtracted, the United States is still the standard by which all other nations measure themselves.

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Figure 1: The scientific balance of power

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The scientific balance of power. Nature 439, 646–647 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/439646a

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