8158.0.55.003 - Research Paper: Experimental Estimates of a Multi-Year Innovation Rate, Australia, 2017  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 26/10/2017  First Issue
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This research paper explores key differences in survey scope and methodology between Australia’s Business Characteristics Survey (BCS) and Europe’s Community Innovation Survey (CIS) to enhance understanding of how Australian innovation rates compare internationally. One of the key differences that currently obfuscates the direct comparison of results of the two surveys is the difference in reference period length (the BCS uses a single, financial year reference period, whereas the CIS uses a three year period).
The paper describes an experimental methodology developed by the ABS that uses innovation data collected by the ABS via the BCS for a single reference year, to produce an estimate of the proportion of Australian businesses that were innovation-active over a three year reference period. This is referred to as a Multi-Year Innovation Rate (MYIR) and experimental estimates using this methodology are presented. This research adds to the body of knowledge related to innovation survey methodologies and their impacts on estimates of business innovation.