Innovation Spending: A Tale of Two Tech Giants

In the ever-evolving world of technology, innovation is the lifeblood that keeps companies at the forefront. SAP SE and ServiceNow, Inc. are two such giants, each with a unique approach to research and development (R&D) spending. Over the past decade, SAP SE has consistently invested heavily in R&D, with a remarkable 171% increase from 2014 to 2023. In contrast, ServiceNow, Inc. has shown an even more impressive growth trajectory, with R&D expenses skyrocketing by over 1,300% during the same period.

While SAP SE's spending peaked at approximately €6.3 billion in 2023, ServiceNow's R&D investment reached around €2.1 billion, highlighting its rapid ascent in the tech landscape. This data underscores the strategic importance of innovation in maintaining competitive advantage and driving growth. As we look to the future, the question remains: how will these investments shape the next wave of technological advancements?