pre_text: Strategic Innovation-focused Investment of Capital We target markets that have the potential for above-average growth and profit margins where domain expertise, innovation, technical competency and contracting dynamics can help to create meaningful barriers to entry. We will strategically reinvest our cash in key program captures, internal research and development (R&D), and acquisitions to target priority markets and help ensure market leading positions to drive long-term shareholder return. We are committed to using innovation and technology to address our customers’ most pressing problems and demanding requirements. We have made meaningful and recognized contributions to technological advancements within our industries. The cost of company-sponsored R&D activities included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations are as follows (in thousands):
table: Years Ended September 30,
table: 2019 2018 2017
table: Company-Sponsored Research and Development Expense:
table: Cubic Transportation Systems $  10,948 $  13,394 $  26,308
table: Cubic Mission Solutions 27,111 22,745 11,949
table: Cubic Global Defense 10,573 16,259 14,395
table: Unallocated corporate expenses 1,500 — —
table: Total company-sponsored research and development expense $  50,132 $  52,398 $  52,652
question: Analyse this data from a financial earnings document. What is the change in the total company-sponsored research and development expense in 2019 from 2018?