Scientists at work in a laboratory in Beijing. China pulls ahead of EU countries in R&D investment. [Photo/Agencies]

China pulled ahead of European Union member states in research and development investment, the London Times reported, citing the European Round Table of Industrialists.

The Round Table represents EU businesses employing nearly 7 million people.

It said the latest proportion of gross domestic spending on R&D in China exceeded 2 percent, whilst the European Union average was below 2 percent. Member states have a target of 3 percent but according to the report, only three countries were complying with that figure.

The Round Table forecast 2016 GDP expansion in the EU of 1.9 percent, compared with 6.8 percent for China and 7.3 percent for India.

"Other regions of the world are already implementing strong industrial policies, including energy and competition policies that serve their strategic interests. As a result, growth is taking place outside Europe," Kurt Bock, head of the Round Table's competitiveness working group, told the Times.

Bock is the head of BASF, the German chemicals firm.

To contact the reporter: chris@mail.chinadailyuk.com