Companies invested 11.6 percent more money in research and development during 2006 than they did the previous year. The Arlington-based Industrial Research Institute issued a report Monday that looked at the top 100 U.S.-based companies that invest in R&D. The group also looked at non-U.S.-based investment, which only increased by 6.1 percent over the previous year.
The upward trend has been continuing since about 2003, according to Edward Bernstein, president of IRI.
“In my mind, this is a realization on the part of U.S. companies that R&D does pay off in the long run,” Bernstein said.
Top industries investing in themselves included pharmaceutical companies and automotive manufacturers, Bernstein said. Most of the major research-driven companies were based outside of the D.C. area, many in Silicon Valley. But those Washington-area companies cited by IRI showed growth.
Bethesda-based Lockheed Martin demonstrated a 9.3 percent growth in research investment. Fairfax-based Exxon Mobil saw 2.9 percent in growth. D.C.-based Danaher Corp. spent 16 percent more on R&D, and Falls Church-based General Dynamics put in 9.6 percent more dollars.
Lockheed Martin spokesman Tom Greer said the company spends about $1.1 billion annually in research and development, though he said he could not discuss specific programs because of proprietary concerns.
“We are currently exploring technologies like nanotechnology and laser radar to help address some ofour government customers’ most pressing challenges,” Greer said.
