The Use of Input Data in the Performance Analysis of R&D Systems

Abstract

With the emergence of the knowledge based society, great emphasis is put on the development of qualitative and quantitative policy tools for analysing the science and innovation system. In this chapter an overview is given of the available R&D input data at (supra) national and regional level. With the Frascati Manual the OECD provides a methodological framework for setting up national surveys to collect these data. This methodology is used to produce standardised measurements of human and financial resources devoted to R&D by OECD member countries. EUROSTAT adapted and extended this methodology to produce for the EU countries R&D input data at regional level. To measure the performance of national and regional R&D systems, input and output data have to be combined. The methodologies for collecting input and output data have, however, been developed largely independently from each other. The resulting limitations on their use in performance indicators are discussed, and suggestions are formulated for a more integrated approach to construct input and output data.