Who Prioritizes Innovation? R&D Spending Compared for QUALCOMM Incorporated and Intel Corporation

Innovation Race: Qualcomm vs. Intel

In the ever-evolving tech landscape, research and development (R&D) spending is a key indicator of a company's commitment to innovation. Over the past decade, Intel Corporation and QUALCOMM Incorporated have been at the forefront of this race. From 2014 to 2023, Intel consistently outspent Qualcomm, with Intel's R&D expenses peaking at approximately $17.5 billion in 2022, a 52% increase from 2014. Meanwhile, Qualcomm's R&D spending grew by 61% over the same period, reaching nearly $8.8 billion in 2023.

Despite Intel's higher absolute spending, Qualcomm's rapid growth in R&D investment highlights its aggressive push towards innovation. This trend underscores the competitive dynamics in the semiconductor industry, where both giants strive to lead in technological advancements. As we look to the future, the missing data for 2024 leaves room for speculation on how these companies will continue to prioritize innovation.