7 INNOVATION
The ABS is planning to conduct an innovation survey in early 2004. The reference period will be for the calendar year 2003. The survey will be compatible with OECD/Eurostat guidelines (as outlined in the "Oslo Manual") and will include technological, organisational and managerial innovation in a wide range of industries, including service industries.
Current state of innovation-related statistics
Much of the material described in the Update bears on innovation in one way or another. The ABS has not conducted a survey of innovation outputs since 1996-97. Such "output" data provide a direct measure of the degree to which Australia is innovating and can be obtained through industry-wide business surveys. The focus of future ABS work on innovation will be relating such outputs to the impact of productivity and growth performance.
What is an "innovation survey" and what information can it provide?
An innovation survey is a survey of businesses which ascertains what proportion and types of business are innovating (ie. introducing new products and processes), what types of innovations are occurring and what impact they are having on the output and productivity of the businesses concerned.
Other issues to be addressed include the:
- costs of innovation (and their breakdown into R&D and other components)
- extent of linkages between firms and research institutions
- links between innovation and management practice
- links between innovation and growth/productivity outcomes
- sources of funding
Timing
It is expected that the questionnaire will be sent out in early 2004. Results are expected later that year.
For further information, please contact Graeme Brown whose e-mail address is graeme.brown@abs.gov.au.
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