Research and Development Satellite Account

BEA is developing statistics that measure research and development economic activity in a framework consistent with gross domestic product (GDP) and other BEA statistics. This provides a more comprehensive picture of the contribution of the R&D sector to the U.S. and state economies.

The statistics include R&D’s contribution to GDP (known as R&D value added) and associated R&D employment and compensation for the nation, all 50 states, and the District of Columbia. The first experimental statistics were released in 2024. In September 2025, BEA extended the statistics’ timespan back to 2012 and added data for 2022 and 2023.

These statistics can answer questions such as: Which states have the largest R&D value added? How many jobs in each state are supported by R&D activities? What are the leading R&D-producing industries across the nation?

This work is conducted with data and support from the National Science Foundation’s National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics.

Data & Documentation

Background Material

Presentation: Developing a Regional R&D Satellite Account BEA Advisory Committee Meeting, May 2023
Background Materials: Concepts, Data, and Methods BEA Advisory Committee Meeting, May 2023
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics BEA’s statistics for the new R&D satellite account are being developed in collaboration with the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics of the National Science Foundation

What is the R&D Satellite Account?

Measures the contribution of research and development to the U.S. and state economies through the value generated in production, the number of jobs the sector supports, and the compensation paid. R&D activity is attributed to the state where it is performed.

What’s a Satellite Account?