Overall, the aim is to build a comprehensive global database that covers a range of internationally comparable STI indicators, such as R&D expenditure, R&D personnel, gender disparities in diverse fields of science, and the share of innovative firms per country. The data provide a global perspective that is relevant to policymakers on the state of the science and research infrastructure, as well as of the development of innovations in the business sector.
To achieve this goal, the Institute works closely with national statisticians to improve data quality at the national and international levels. By explaining how statistics are collected and used in their countries, these statisticians provide the UIS with guidance on constructing methodologies and survey designs.
This input is essential as many of the standard instruments used in STI surveys were designed for the world’s most industrialized nations. With the aid of national partners, the UIS is adapting these instruments to better reflect the structures of developing countries and expand the pool of data.