Data-driven ranking

The Global R&D Incentive Index

28 national R&D incentives, scored and ranked on generosity, cash value, eligibility breadth, and administrative ease. A neutral starting map of the global landscape.

Methodology 2026.1 · Editorial assessment, not tax adviceDataset (JSON) →

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Rank #180

Canada

SR&ED

35% refundable (CCPC) + provincial

Rank #279

Australia

R&D Tax Incentive

Up to 43.5% refundable

Rank #377

United Arab Emirates

R&D tax incentive

30-50% refundable (proposed)

Full ranking

#	Jurisdiction	Headline benefit	Cash	Sub-scores	Index
1	CanadaSR&ED	35% refundable (CCPC) + provincial	Refundable	Gen82 Cas85 Eli80 Adm62	80Leading
2	AustraliaR&D Tax Incentive	Up to 43.5% refundable	Refundable	Gen80 Cas82 Eli78 Adm70	79Leading
3	United Arab EmiratesProposedR&D tax incentive	30-50% refundable (proposed)	Proposed	Gen85 Cas80 Eli70 Adm60	77Leading
4	IrelandR&D tax credit	30% payable credit	Refundable	Gen72 Cas80 Eli78 Adm72	76Leading
5	FranceCredit d'impot recherche	30% up to a high ceiling	Partly refundable	Gen78 Cas70 Eli82 Adm60	74Strong
6	AustriaForschungspramie	14% cash premium	Refundable	Gen66 Cas82 Eli70 Adm72	73Strong
7	NorwaySkatteFUNN	19% deduction, cash for losses	Refundable	Gen62 Cas78 Eli72 Adm76	71Strong
8	SpainDeduccion por I+D+i	25-42% with monetization	Partly refundable	Gen75 Cas68 Eli76 Adm58	71Strong
9	NetherlandsWBSO	Payroll tax reduction	Partly refundable	Gen60 Cas75 Eli75 Adm78	70Strong
10	United KingdomMerged R&D scheme	20% credit; up to ~27% for intensive SMEs	Partly refundable	Gen60 Cas78 Eli80 Adm66	70Strong
11	PortugalSIFIDE II	32.5% + 50% incremental	Non-refundable	Gen78 Cas60 Eli74 Adm58	69Strong
12	BelgiumR&D incentives	Payroll exemption + investment deduction	Partly refundable	Gen68 Cas65 Eli70 Adm62	67Strong
13	GermanyForschungszulage	25% (35% SME) on eligible expenses	Partly refundable	Gen70 Cas65 Eli72 Adm58	67Strong
14	DenmarkR&D tax credit	Payable credit for deficits	Refundable	Gen60 Cas70 Eli66 Adm70	66Strong
15	SingaporeEnterprise Innovation Scheme	Enhanced deductions, cash option	Partly refundable	Gen68 Cas55 Eli74 Adm74	66Strong
16	New ZealandR&D Tax Incentive	15% credit, refundable within caps	Partly refundable	Gen58 Cas70 Eli66 Adm66	64Moderate
17	South KoreaR&D tax credit	Generous SME credit tiers	Non-refundable	Gen70 Cas55 Eli70 Adm62	64Moderate
18	United StatesSection 41 credit	Credit on incremental QREs; payroll offset	Partly refundable	Gen55 Cas60 Eli78 Adm65	63Moderate
19	FinlandR&D deduction	Additional and combined deductions	Non-refundable	Gen58 Cas55 Eli64 Adm68	60Moderate
20	ItalyCredito d'imposta R&S	Tax credit, offset via F24	Partly refundable	Gen60 Cas55 Eli68 Adm55	59Moderate
21	IsraelInnovation incentives	Grants and preferential IP regime	Non-refundable	Gen60 Cas50 Eli64 Adm58	58Moderate
22	JapanR&D tax credit	Credit as a share of tax	Non-refundable	Gen60 Cas45 Eli68 Adm60	57Moderate
23	SwedenPayroll R&D relief	Employer contribution reduction	Partly refundable	Gen45 Cas60 Eli60 Adm68	56Moderate
24	SwitzerlandCantonal R&D deduction	Up to 150% deduction (cantonal)	Non-refundable	Gen55 Cas45 Eli60 Adm64	54Emerging
25	BrazilLei do Bem	Super-deduction for profitable firms	Non-refundable	Gen60 Cas40 Eli60 Adm48	52Emerging
26	IndiaR&D deduction	Weighted deduction (reduced)	Non-refundable	Gen50 Cas40 Eli65 Adm55	51Emerging
27	South AfricaSection 11D	150% deduction (pre-approval)	Non-refundable	Gen55 Cas40 Eli60 Adm52	51Emerging
28	MexicoR&D tax credit	30% credit (capped)	Non-refundable	Gen50 Cas45 Eli58 Adm50	50Emerging

Explore any program:Standards library →Firm directory →

Coverage by region

North America

2 programs · avg 72

Europe

15 programs · avg 67

Asia-Pacific

6 programs · avg 64

Middle East & Africa

3 programs · avg 62

Latin America

2 programs · avg 51

Methodology

Every program is scored 0-100 on four dimensions, then combined with fixed weights into the composite Index score. Scores are The Credit Index’s editorial assessment for orientation. For binding figures, always check the per-jurisdiction standards page and the administering authority.

Generosity: 35%
Cash value & speed: 30%
Eligibility breadth: 20%
Administrative ease: 15%

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Frequently asked

How is the Index score calculated?

Each program is scored 0-100 on four dimensions: generosity, cash value and speed, eligibility breadth, and administrative ease. These combine with fixed weights (Generosity 35%, Cash value & speed 30%, Eligibility breadth 20%, Administrative ease 15%) into the composite Index score. Methodology version 2026.1.

Are these official government figures?

No. The Index is The Credit Index's own editorial assessment for orientation. Rates and rules change; the per-jurisdiction standards pages and the administering authority are the authoritative source.

Which country has the most generous R&D incentive?

On the current Index, Canada leads with a composite score of 80, reflecting 35% refundable (ccpc) + provincial.

The Credit Index is informational only and does not provide tax or legal advice. The Index is an editorial ranking; rates, refundability, and deadlines change. Confirm the current position with the administering authority and a qualified adviser before acting.