CECAEN Rev 3
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Sections Correlation Guide About the Project Contact
Division 72

Research and development in natural sciences and engineering

This category includes research and experimental development activities in natural sciences, engineering and technology. In other words, it concerns the creation of new knowledge, discoveries and innovations that underpin technological progress. It is the engine behind new products, materials and processes, from laboratories to prototypes.

Included Activities & Applicability

  • ✅ Fundamental research in natural and engineering sciences
  • ✅ Experimental development in new technologies and products
  • ✅ Feasibility studies and engineering design
  • ✅ Laboratory testing and analysis in natural sciences
  • ✅ Consultancy in research and technological innovation

Excluded Activities & Restrictions

  • ❌ Research in social sciences and humanities Industrial production activities (other than prototyping) Software development activities (NACE code 62) IT and management consultancy services (NACE codes 62
  • ❌ 70) Clinical medical research (NACE code 86)

Subordinate Structure

721 Research and development in natural sciences and engineering
→
7210 Research and development in natural sciences and engineering
→
722 Research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities
→
7220 Research and development in social sciences and humanities
→

Detailed Analysis & Commercial Insights

The research and development (R&D) industry in natural sciences and engineering, classified under NACE 72, represents the backbone of technological innovation in Romania. Although often overlooked in favor of more visible sectors such as IT or trade, this sphere is essential for long-term economic growth. In recent years, Romania has made significant progress in R&D investments, but still lags behind the European average both as a percentage of GDP and in the number of researchers nationally. However, in niches such as materials engineering, applied chemistry or biotechnologies, there are centers of excellence that attract European funds and international collaborations. From a macroeconomic perspective, the R&D sector in natural sciences and engineering has a strong multiplier effect. Every leu invested in research generates productivity gains in related industrial chains, from production to services. Companies operating here, whether research institutes, private laboratories or R&D departments of large corporations, contribute to the creation of patents, patented technologies and innovations that can be commercialized. The main challenge for entrepreneurs in this field is access to funding, as fundamental research involves high costs and long amortization periods. Additionally, attracting and retaining talent is difficult in the context of specialists migrating to university centers abroad or to the IT sector, where remuneration is more attractive. Nevertheless, the recent trend of digitizing research processes and developing innovation hubs in cities such as Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara or Bucharest opens up new opportunities. Collaborations between universities, institutes and the private sector are increasingly frequent, and government support programs, such as those under the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation, provide dedicated funding lines. Entrepreneurs who choose to invest in NACE 72 need patience, a long-term vision and a good understanding of intellectual property. As the global economy relies more and more on knowledge, Romania has the potential to become a significant regional player in applied research, provided that public policies encourage innovation and reduce the bureaucracy specific to accessing research funds.