In real terms, Scotland’s increase in BERD spending between 2017 and 2018 exceeded the growth in the UK, with Scotland’s spend sitting at 6.4% with the rest fo the UK standing at 3.9%.

The total amount spent on BERD in Scotland in 2018, reached £1.356 billion, marking the highest level in the research series. In 2018, BERD spend in Scotland was mainly split between Manufacturing products (49.8%) and Services products (44.8%).

The report also found that between 2017 and 2018, BERD spend on Manufacturing and Services products increased by 11.7% and 5.8% respec vely; BERD expenditure on ‘Other’ products decreased by 23.2%.

The new data also highlighted that businesses in Scotland employed 14,747 research & development staff in 2018, an increase of 11% from 13,290 the year before. Meaning that BERD employment is now at the highest level since record began in 2001.

Responding to the latest statistics, Ivan McKee, minister for trade, investment and innovation, said: “Scotland’s spending on research and development is growing at a faster rate than the rest of the UK - proof that our industries are not only thriving but leading the way.

“Over the latest year our business R&D spend has risen by 6.4% in real terms, whereas UK spend increased by 3.9% over the same period. Over the longer term, since 2007, Scotland’s business R&D spend has risen by 105.7% in real terms, more than three times the UK rate (at 31.5%).

“This is great news for Scotland’s economy and our ambition for improvement continues. Our vision is for a Scotland where innovation is an intrinsic part of our culture, our society and our economy.”