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1. R&D and Innovation indicators in Indian S&T system
– A National Framework Approach
Sonu Verma1*, Om Prakash Wali1#, Shashanka K. Prasad1#
1Center for International Trade in Technology (CITT), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi – 110016
#PRESENTING AUTHORS , * Author for Correspondence: E-mail: sonuverma@iift.edu
Prologue
There is always need for systematic statistics for evidence based R&D and Innovation policy.
This work is devoted to contribute some of the understanding towards this process of policy
formulation. Though developing countries greatly need and demand cross-nationally comparable
R&D statistics at the global level, there is lack of willingness to provide and share information
by institutions, universities and industries, alike. Also, there is a passive demand by policy
makers and other users i.e. industry associations, think tanks, academia which contributed to
lack of motivation and scarcity of R&D statistics. That is one of the reasons may be the
indicators are not developed so far. In the case of developing countries, there is a whole body of
knowledge regarding the STI systems missing or only occasionally available. While R&D
statistics are widely seen as a relevant tool for evidence-based policy-making, high-level
demand for these statistics is still far from being universal. This study proposes a multi-echelon
and multi-dimensional approach to set up a National Research Framework, which would
comprise of key performance metrics across the R&D cycle (input, process, output, outcome and
impact) encompassing socio-economic-commercial domains, with indicators gathered at the
micro-levels to achieve a sectoral representation that can be aggregated into a macro-level.
Methodology
The research design is exploratory in nature and uses multiple sources of secondary data like
journals, websites, and primary data collection methods like brainstorming sessions as well as
surveys. The data collection methods incorporated in the study are as follows:
Desk Research: With a challenge not only to understand the trends of innovative activity over
time but also the factors influencing them, it was imperative the key parameters had to be
identified which can contribute some of the understanding towards the process of policy
formulation. An extensive literature review was conducted which mapped 80 established and
contemporary indicators documented by various reports of think tanks, research bodies and
international organizations. This exploratory research method helped research team to take a
global ringside view of the variety of indicators which have been in practice/debate and which
have got any kind of recognition. During desk research, apart from conventional, new identified
indicators were listed and classified into six categories of indicators, namely HR,
Economic/Market Impact, Technology Innovation, IPR, Knowledge, Management/Planning. It
was then decided to take an insight of the R&D activities of the industrial firms and academic
research institutions via interaction with R&D domain experts.
Brainstorming: During this research study, four brainstorming sessions were conducted
focused on thematic sectors of Biotech/Pharma, Telecom/Information Technology, Automobile,
and Advanced Manufacturing. Also, few experts in different domain of research, both in
academia, public R&D laboratories and industry were consulted through response sheets and
personal interviews to gain the insight about the performance evaluation mechanism in
respective organizations. Data analysis led to the conceptualization of 9 generic categories of
indicators across the sectors.
Validation: At this juncture, the culminated data was presented in front of the Local Project
Advisory Committee, comprising of the Policy Makers, for the Government of India, and the
Domain Experts. The outcome of this exercise was a short-listed set of the above identified
metrics, possessing a greater relevance to the Policy Implications.
Current Observations and Findings
All the newly identified indicators out of brainstorming sessions, field visits, interviews have
been tabulated and graphical representations were made which reflect the proposed national
research framework. Apart from six categories of indicators developed during literature review,
three new categories have been developed, namely; User Satisfaction, Performance and
Regulation/Compliance Benchmarks. All the newly identified indicators have been classified
according to these nine broad categories so as to connect them to nearest possible techno-
industrial activity.
Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower – Steve Jobs
Figure 1: Generic R&D indicators framework for S&T activities in India specific context (Public and
Private)
Figure 2: Emerging & evolving R&D indicators of selected Private Sectors for S&T activities
Figure 3: Emerging & evolving R&D indicators of selected Public Sectors for S&T activities
Acknowledgement
We Take this Opportunity to Thank:
1. Dr Parveen Arora, Adviser and Head and Ms Namita Gupta, Director, National Science and Technology
Management Information System(NSTMIS), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of
Science and Technology, Government of India, for sponsoring this project and being the Knowledge partners
during the course of this study.
2. Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) for Providing use with appropriate infrastructure to conduct the
research.
Conclusion
There are multiple roles that indicators play from time to time like informed policy making, for
evaluation, for strategic positioning, for foresight and for visibility of work; the process has
been found to be evolving and iterative, thus specifically enhancing the ulterior scope of the
study, with respect to the similar rubrics development for R&D evaluation in the developing
nations context.
Future Roadmaps for Policy Relevant Indicators – Sector Generic, are as follows:
1. Futuristic technologies pursued.
2. Willingness to Collaborate with Government.
3. Technology forecasting and development for upcoming regulations.
4. Policy initiative availed by R&D divisions of specific sectors.
5. Expansion and Growth Plan.