The aim is to build a comprehensive global database that covers a range of internationally comparable science indicators, such as R&D expenditure, R&D personnel and gender disparities in diverse fields of science. The data provide a global perspective that is relevant to policymakers on the state of science and research infrastructure.
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 S&T 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 research structures of developing countries and expand the pool of data.