Number of Researchers in Developing Countries Is on the Rise, Unesco Finds

The number of researchers, on the rise worldwide, skyrocketed in developing countries, jumping by 56 percent from 2002 to 2005, according to a new report from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Over all, the ranks of researchers in the world rose from 5.8 million to 7.1 million in the five-year span, while their numbers in developing countries grew from 1.8 million to 2.7 million. The findings, which include both academic and private-sector scientists, reflect efforts by many developing countries, particularly in Asia, to use innovation and education to spur economic growth.