Number of researchers per capita to boost R&D activities: perspective for countries in the Global South

Abstract

The paper explores the critical role that the number of researchers per capita in Global South countries plays in comparison to
Global North countries in driving research and development (R&D) activities and promoting sustainable development. While
countries in the Global North, such as OECD members, have an average of 400 researchers per 100,000 inhabitants, countries
in the Global South have significantly fewer R&D personnel. Researchers are crucial for innovation and economic progress,
with examples of countries such as China and Iran showing significant increases in R&D personnel. Challenges such as limited
financial resources, inadequate infrastructure and feeble political support pose an obstacle for many countries in the Global
South. The paper emphasises the consideration of technical and support staff in R&D activities, with recommendations on the
appropriate ratio of technical and support staff to researchers. When addressing the optimal number of researchers per capita, the paper suggests taking into account a country’s stage of economic development, its industrial structure and its strategic priorities as key components. It advocates setting incremental targets, investing in education and training, and fostering an enabling policy environment to gradually increase the number of researchers per capita in countries of the Global South. In particular, the article underlines Unesco’s role in advocating for increased investment in R&D as a cornerstone of sustainable development, and calls on governments in the Global South and international organisations to increase investment in R&D.