R&D spending in the US is projected to rise 2.1% to $436 billion this year, according to data released by Battelle and reported on at www.WSJ.com. European R&D is forecast to grow by about 3.5% to $338.1 billion, while Asia's should increase 8.6% to $514.4 billion, according to the report.

Last month’s MedicalDesign.com Reader Poll reinforced those projections. We asked, “For 2012, will your company’s research and development expenditures increase, decrease, or remain the same?” The response was overwhelmingly positive, with 63% predicting an increase, while 23% answered that expenditures will remain the same. Only 13% are looking for a decrease.

This month’s Poll asks, “For 2012, please indicate whether your company’s workforce will increase, decrease, or remain the same.” I hope you’ll weigh in with your response and that your 2012 is off to a great start.

Cheers!