Although research and development (R&D) expenditure remains highly concentrated in a few countries, converging countries such as China and the Russian Federation are now among the ten highest R&D spenders. Higher education opportunities nurture and sustain such activity. Between 2000 and 2008, net primary enrolment rates in sub-Saharan Africa - the region with the lowest average education achievement - increased from 54 to 84%. At the same time, East Asia and the Middle East and North Africa further narrowed their secondary education deficits. However, average enrolment rates in secondary education in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa remain low (Table 4.3). Moreover, recent increases in enrolment have not yet translated into large increases in average educational attainment in all regions.