Monitoring Research and Development (R&D) 

Science and technology is one of the main drivers of economic growth. Given the rapid pace of technological change, governments need reliable and precise data on research and development (R&D). The Frascati Manual, developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is the global standard for collecting R&D statistics. However, the manual was specifically designed for only the most industrialized countries.

What is the role of the UIS?

The Institute has produced a series of guidelines and documents to better reflect the situation in developing countries, enabling them to apply concepts from the Frascati Manual to their particular needs and contexts.

These resources will be based on consultations with national statisticians, policymakers and recognized experts, as well as regional networks and organizations (see links below) specializing in the collection of R&D statistics.

Progress to date

The UIS published a Technical Paper on Measuring R&D in Developing Countries, which was the result of a consultation process that lasted more than two years. 

Based on this publication, a shorter, more focused document was drafted and presented to the OECD’s Working Party of National Experts on Science and Technology Indicators (NESTI). This document was accepted for inclusion as an annex to the Frascati Manual.