"R&D expenditure" is a very loosely defined term. And companies get a tax benefit from spending on "R&D". Thus, it's not obvious that R&D expenditures are truly

"R&D expenditure" is a very loosely defined term. And companies get a tax benefit from spending on "R&D". Thus, it's not obvious that R&D expenditures are truly rising, or companies are just gaming the system.