Research and Development: Comparing Key Metrics for SAP SE and International Business Machines Corporation

A Decade of Innovation: SAP SE vs. IBM in R&D Investment

In the ever-evolving tech landscape, research and development (R&D) are pivotal for innovation and growth. Over the past decade, SAP SE and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) have been at the forefront of this race. From 2014 to 2023, IBM consistently outpaced SAP in R&D spending, with IBM's investment peaking at approximately $6.8 billion in 2023, a 25% increase from 2014. Meanwhile, SAP's R&D expenses grew by 171% over the same period, reaching around $6.3 billion in 2023. This significant growth underscores SAP's commitment to innovation, closing the gap with IBM. However, the data for 2024 remains incomplete, leaving room for speculation on future trends. As these tech giants continue to invest heavily in R&D, the competition to lead in technological advancements remains fierce.