The R&D Crystal Ball

A funding forecast put together by Battelle and R&D Magazine foresees global R&D spending in the life sciences increasing from $181.6 billion in 2012 to $189.3 billion in 2013, and an increase from $81.5 billion to 82.7 billion for the US.

"The estimates and forecast show that US industry should turn the corner and begin increasing their R&D investment in 2013," the report says. "The global industry, while affected by a slowdown from 2009 to 2012 is on a stronger R&D growth trajectory into 2013."

Battelle and R&D Magazine also surveyed about 275 members of the R&D community, MedCity News adds, and the respondents were optimistic about 2013, with more than half of the respondents saying they expected their R&D budgets to increase this year as compared to last.