R&D spending decisions by firms are complicated because they involve having to compare present expenditures against future expected gains.

R&D Spending

Expenditures devoted to research and development by governments, organizations, or companies to innovate new products and processes.

Future Expected Gains

The anticipated benefits or profits that are expected to be realized in the future from investments or decisions made today.

Present Expenditures

Current spending or outflows of money, usually referring to the costs or expenses a business or individual faces at the moment.