Research & Development in the Physical, Engineering, & Life Sciences
Key Figures
Figures are published for NAICS 54171 directly.
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Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in conducting research and experimental development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences, such as agriculture, electronics, environmental, biology, botany, biotechnology, computers, chemistry, food, fisheries, forests, geology, health, mathematics, medicine, nanotechnology, oceanography, pharmacy, physics, veterinary, and other allied subjects.
Source: US Census Bureau, 2017 NAICS Definitions. Public domain.
Which code does this activity belong in?
The boundary between physical, engineering, and life sciences research and social sciences research divides NAICS 54171 from 54172 based on the scientific domain. Establishments conducting research in agriculture, biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, and related natural sciences are classified in 54171, while those investigating cognitive development, sociology, psychology, behavior, economic systems, and humanities subjects belong in 54172. The distinction hinges on whether the research applies natural and engineering scientific methods versus social science and humanistic inquiry.