Global Science Funding Collaboration

The Shifting Sands of Science Funding: How Global Collaboration is Redefining Research

Kai Mendoza in Science & Nature September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the changing dynamics of global science funding, the rise of China, and the increasing interdependence of international research collaborations. Are we heading towards a new world order in scientific discovery?"

In today's interconnected world, scientific research stands as a cornerstone of economic advancement and societal well-being. However, the pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries demands substantial resources, making strategic investments in science a critical imperative for nations seeking to lead in innovation and progress.

As scientific endeavors increasingly transcend national boundaries, understanding how countries fund their research initiatives—both domestically and through international collaborations—becomes paramount. The dynamics of these funding streams reflect a complex interplay of competition and cooperation, influencing the direction and impact of scientific progress on a global scale.

This article delves into the evolving dynamics of global science funding, spotlighting the shifting duopoly between China and the United States, and examining how international collaborations are reshaping research priorities and outcomes worldwide. By tracing the flow of research grants and acknowledgments in scholarly publications, we uncover the intricate dependencies and vulnerabilities that define the modern scientific enterprise.

The Rise of China and Shifting Global Funding Dynamics

China's ascent as a scientific powerhouse has been fueled by remarkable growth in research and development (R&D) expenditures. Over the past two decades, China's R&D spending has surged at an average rate of 10% per year, skyrocketing from $39 billion in 2000 to $563 billion in 2020. This exponential growth has propelled China to the forefront of scientific production, surpassing the United States in the number of scientific publications since 2019.

In response to China's rise, both the European Union and the United States have launched ambitious science funding programs aimed at bolstering economic performance and scientific capabilities. The CHIPS and Science Act in the U.S. explicitly seeks to reduce reliance on China for critical technologies, signaling a strategic shift in global science governance.

Increased Global Collaboration Scientific articles with authors from multiple countries have more than doubled since 2000.
Funding Disparities Developing nations depend heavily on international cooperation due to scarce local funding.
China's Investment China's science and technology investments have significantly increased over the past two decades.

Despite the nationalistic undertones of scientific competition, international collaboration remains integral to scientific advancement. Articles authored by scholars from multiple countries have risen dramatically, underscoring the collaborative nature of modern research. However, collaborations are not evenly distributed, with international collaboration constituting 27% of China's output, 43% of the United States', and 68% of the United Kingdom's. This disparity highlights the critical role of international funding, especially for countries with emerging scientific systems.

Navigating the Future of Global Science Funding

As the global science landscape evolves, understanding the intricate dynamics of funding, collaboration, and competition is crucial for fostering innovation and addressing global challenges effectively. Recognizing the power asymmetries in international collaborations and promoting equitable partnerships will be essential for ensuring that scientific advancements benefit all nations. By embracing a more inclusive and collaborative approach, we can unlock new frontiers of knowledge and create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2308.0863,

Title: Cooperation And Interdependence In Global Science Funding

Subject: econ.gn cs.si q-fin.ec

Authors: Lili Miao, Vincent Larivière, Feifei Wang, Yong-Yeol Ahn, Cassidy R. Sugimoto

Published: 16-08-2023

Everything You Need To Know

How has China's investment in science and technology influenced the global funding landscape?

China's significant investment in science and technology has dramatically altered the global funding landscape. Its R&D spending surged from $39 billion in 2000 to $563 billion in 2020, propelling China to the forefront of scientific production. This rise has reshaped the dynamics, leading to increased competition and prompting the United States and the European Union to launch ambitious science funding programs to maintain their scientific and economic standing. The CHIPS and Science Act in the U.S. is a direct response, aiming to reduce reliance on China for critical technologies, reflecting a strategic shift in global science governance.

What are the key trends in international scientific collaboration, and how does this impact research?

International scientific collaboration is on the rise, with articles co-authored by scholars from multiple countries more than doubling since 2000. This trend highlights the interconnected nature of modern research. However, collaborations are not evenly distributed. The United States, for example, has 43% of its output through international collaboration compared to China's 27% and the United Kingdom's 68%. This disparity underscores the dependence of some nations on international funding and cooperation, especially for those with emerging scientific systems. This global collaboration impacts research by fostering knowledge sharing, diverse perspectives, and accelerating the pace of discovery.

How do funding disparities between countries affect scientific research and collaboration?

Funding disparities significantly impact scientific research and collaboration. Developing nations, in particular, often rely heavily on international cooperation due to scarce local funding. This dependence can shape research priorities and outcomes. The unequal distribution of funding influences the nature and extent of collaborations, as well as the types of research that can be undertaken. Recognizing these power asymmetries and promoting equitable partnerships is essential to ensure that scientific advancements benefit all nations and that research is not solely driven by the interests of well-funded countries.

What is the role of the CHIPS and Science Act in the context of global science funding and China's rise?

The CHIPS and Science Act in the United States plays a critical role in the evolving landscape of global science funding. It is a strategic response to China's ascendance as a scientific powerhouse and its substantial investments in research and development. The Act explicitly seeks to reduce reliance on China for critical technologies. This signals a shift towards increased competition and nationalistic undertones in scientific endeavors. The Act is a key component of how the United States aims to maintain its economic and scientific leadership, showcasing the interplay of competition and cooperation that currently defines global scientific progress.

What are the potential implications of the shifting dynamics in global science funding for the future of scientific discovery and global challenges?

The shifting dynamics in global science funding have significant implications for the future. The rise of China, increased international collaborations, and the responses from the United States and the European Union suggest a complex interplay of competition and cooperation. Understanding these trends is crucial for fostering innovation and effectively addressing global challenges. This includes recognizing power asymmetries, promoting equitable partnerships, and ensuring that scientific advancements benefit all nations. A more inclusive and collaborative approach is essential for unlocking new frontiers of knowledge and creating a sustainable future, requiring a balance between national interests and global needs to optimize scientific progress.