Innovation and R&D Funding: Four Decades of Change, 1986–2026
Innovation has changed almost beyond recognition over the last 40 years.
What used to sit largely within dedicated research teams is now woven into nearly every part of how businesses operate and compete. In parallel, the funding landscape around innovation has shifted dramatically, moving from a handful of grants and tax incentives to a complex, interconnected global system that influences where, how, and why companies choose to invest in R&D.
Marking Ayming’s 40th anniversary, this special Business Insight Note traces that journey, looking at how both innovation itself and the funding mechanisms supporting it have evolved between 1986 and 2026.
Built on perspectives gathered across Europe and North America, the report looks at how innovation has progressed within six core industries:
- Manufacturing
- Food & Beverage
- Finance & Fintech
- Pharma & Life Sciences
- IT & Technology
- Construction & Architecture
It also traces the rise of innovation funding, from the first generation of R&D tax credits and public grant schemes to the highly structured, globally connected funding environment businesses navigate today.
Beyond the historical perspective, the report includes first-hand input from innovation leaders across a range of sectors, who share how they’ve seen innovation shift over the course of their careers, how available funding has shaped their investment choices, and where they expect things to go next.
