8101.0 - Innovation and Technology Update (Newsletter), Mar 2000  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 08/05/2000   
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4. THE INNOVATION STATISTICS PROJECT

The Innovation Survey Group has conducted two rounds of innovation surveys. The first was in respect of 1993-94 and the second in respect of 1996-97. Both surveys were mainly concerned with details of the innovation process in the Manufacturing industries, however, the 1993-94 survey also included some information in respect of other industries.

The types of information available from the 1996-97 manufacturing survey include:

  • the level and types of innovation in Australian manufacturing;
  • some characteristics of innovating businesses;
  • the innovation capabilities of manufacturers;
  • the impact of innovation on the business;
  • qualitative aspects of innovative manufacturers; and
  • case studies of implemented innovations.

Results from the surveys are available in the following publications:
  • 8116.0 Innovation in Manufacturing
  • 8121.0 Innovation in Mining
  • 8118.0 Innovation in Selected Industries.

The ABS is currently moving away from the idea of directly measuring innovation. Instead, we are investigating whether we can produce a range of statistical indicators on the knowledge based economy and society. We are at a very early stage of thinking on what this entails ... so please contact us if you would like to contribute ideas.