The research intensity is the proportion of total gross domestic expenditures on research and development (GERD) to the gross domestic product (GDP).
The global estimate on R&D, which is carried out annually in April, estimates the research intensity up until the current calendar year. For odd calendar years, for which results from the R&D surveys are available, this information is used to calculate the research intensity. For the other years, an estimate is made on the basis of available documents and information, particularly the R&D-relevant budget appropriations and final outlays of the federal government ("Bund") and the regional governments ("Länder") and the latest macro-economic forecasts.
The figures are prestented by the various funding sectors.