Programme of EU statistics on research, development and innovation
A multiannual programme for the development of Community statistics on research, development and innovation has been established by a Council Decision of 24 January 1994. The objectives of the programme are: - To set out a reference framework for statistics on research, development and innovation defining the most appropriate concepts and methods; - To establish a EU statistical information system in this field; - To promote and support the harmonization of statistics in the Member States; - To facilitate the dissemination of comparable information. The Decision (94/78/CE, Euratom) notes that the amount of existing statistical information varies in each Member State and the data is not always comparable. Statistics on research, development and innovation must be reinforced in order to compare and analyse national policies and provide accurate and factual knowledge for the conception of policies aimed at encouraging progress. The specific programmes within the Framework Programmes for research and technological development, and the Framework Programmes themselves, also need the report of a statistical information system. In addition, these statistical indicators are complementary and essential to other priority areas and programmes (such as the SPRINT programme for innovation and technology transfer and the regional programme STRIDE). With a view to achieving the objectives of the programme, work carried out by the Commission in cooperation with the Member States shall include: - Analysis and evaluation of user demand, subject to its feasibility and based on cost efficiency, in order to define actions and priorities; - Improvement, where necessary, of the existing methodological framework; - Identification of existing statistical information on research, development and innovation; - Setting up the organizational and technical components of a Community statistical information system including statistics on Community funded research and development activities; - Undertaking pilot surveys; - Developing basic statistical tools. An action plan detailing the above work is annexed to the Decision. A total of ECU 2.9 million is estimated as necessary for the implementation of the multiannual programme, which shall end on 31 December 1997.