INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY STATISTICS
OBJECTIVES
The Innovation and Technology Statistics Program provides data to assist understanding of the impact of research and experimental development, innovation and new technologies on economic and social outcomes. It provides:
- measures of the penetration and use of selected new technologies, particularly information and communication technology (ICT), within Australia, for both businesses and households
- measures of research and experimental development undertaken by businesses, governments, higher education institutions and private not for profit organisations
- measures of innovation for Australian businesses
- the Business Longitudinal Database, which is a tool for understanding business activity and possible links to business performance and productivity.
Clients of the program include:
- Australian government agencies including the Departments of: Communications; Industry; and Education as well as the Reserve Bank of Australia, Productivity Commission and Australian Communications and Media Authority
- state and territory government departments
- industry associations; research organisations; universities; and businesses.
Statistics for expenditure on research and experimental development are important inputs to the Australian National Accounts, and accordingly, the ABS National Accounts Program is a key client of the Innovation and Technology Statistics Program.
OUTPUTS
The program produces a range of statistical outputs, showing:
- use of ICT by Australian businesses and households
- internet activity conducted through the Australian Internet Service Provider industry
- innovation activities undertaken within the Australian economy
- research and experimental development undertaken by businesses, government, universities and private non-profit organisations
- selected business characteristics data.
The program is responsible for the collection and publication of Venture Capital and Later Stage Private Equity statistics on an annual basis. This work is user funded.
The program is also responsible for the production of the Business Longitudinal Database Confidentialised Unit Record File (BLD CURF). A new BLD CURF is released as each panel of businesses completes five years of reporting. The program undertakes analytical work using the BLD in the subject field of innovation and technology.
The program contributes to the work of national and international agencies, through input to the review and development of relevant statistical standards and frameworks. Related research papers and discussion papers are made available via the ABS website.
DEVELOPMENTS
The main medium-term developments in the program are to:
- contribute to the finalisation of review of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD): Frascati Manual 2002: Proposed Standard Practice for Surveys on Research and Experimental Development which is being undertaken by the Working Party of National Experts on Science and Technology Indicators - due March 2015
- in conjunction with key stakeholders, conduct a review of ICT and Digital Economy statistical requirements and work collaboratively to implement recommendations - due September 2015
- drawing on the Business Longitudinal Database as a base, implement a plan for increasing the capacity to undertake firm-level analysis of micro-economic drivers of performance, productivity, and improving the evidence base for policy development and evaluation - due progressively until September 2018.
PROGRAM MANAGER
Tom Joseph
Assistant Statistician
Innovation & Technology Statistics
RESOURCES
| Program costs | $m |
| 2014-15 | 2.1 |
| 2015-16 | 2.2 |
| 2016-17 | 1.9 |
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