Commission proposes collection of new science and innovation statistics
The European Commission has outlined plans for new statistics on science, technology and innovation in a proposal to the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. 'For the formulation and assessment of S&T [science and technology] policies in the increasingly knowledge based economies there is need for reliable and relevant statistical indicators,' the Commission explains. Whilst the paper acknowledges that some statistics do already exist, it argues that these are limited in terms of output measurement, diffusion of knowledge and the performance of innovation systems. It adds 'there is a need...to develop a new generation of statistical variables which can monitor these aspects.' The initiative aims to develop new statistical variables whilst continuing the production of existing Community statistics within the Member States. It also aims to improve and upgrade existing data quality standards, specifically in terms of timeliness and comparability and coherence between Member States. The Commission proposes collecting new statistics on innovation, human resources devoted to science and technology patents and high technology, and science and technology gender statistics. It proposes that the cost of the production and transmission of statistics be met by national authorities as part of the EU's statistical programme. This would be carried out in accordance with the subsidiarity principle. The Community contribution, amounting to 7.5 million euro over five years, would only represent part of the initiative's total cost. This money could go towards the harmonisation of data at Community level, development of statistical indicators and the improvement of methodology. The paper proposes that the Commission evaluate the implementation of these outlined measures within five years of the decision coming into force, and every five years thereafter.