1.1. Contact organisation
Ministry of education, science and innovation
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Directorate for science and research
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
Vaka Đurovića bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
1.6. Contact email address
Confidential because of GDPR
1.7. Contact phone number
Confidential because of GDPR
1.8. Contact fax number
Confidential because of GDPR
2.1. Metadata last certified
25 December 2025
2.2. Metadata last posted
25 December 2025
2.3. Metadata last update
19 January 2026
3.1. Data description
Statistics on Government Budget Allocations for R&D (GBARD) measure government support to research and development (R&D) activities, and thereby provide information about the priority governments give to different public R&D funding activities. This type of funder-based approach for reporting R&D involves identifying all the budget items that may support R&D activities and measuring or estimating their R&D content.
Main concepts and definitions used for the production of R&D statistics are given by the OECD (2015), Frascati Manual 2015: Guidelines for Collecting and Reporting Data on Research and Experimental Development, The Measurement of Scientific, Technological and Innovation Activities (FM 2015, Chapter 12), which is the internationally recognised standard methodology for collecting R&D statistics and by Eurostat’s European Business Statistics Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics (EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics).
Since the beginning of 2021, the collection of R&D statistics is based on Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2020/1197 of 30 July 2020.
The Regulation sets the framework for the collection of R&D statistics and specifies the main variables of interest and their breakdowns at predefined level of detail (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197 of 30 July 2020 laying down technical specifications and arrangements pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council on European business statistics repealing 10 legal acts in the field of business statistics (europa.eu)).
Statistics on science, technology and innovation were collected until the end of 2020 based on Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2012/995 concerning the production and development of Community statistics on science and technology.
3.2. Classification system
Distribution by socioeconomic objectives (SEO) is based on the Nomenclature for the Analysis and Comparisons of Scientific Programmes and Budgets (NABS) at one digit level.
3.2.1. National classification
| National nomenclature of SEO used | NABS 2007 (Nomenclature for the Analysis and Comparison of Scientific Programmes and Budgets) is used at the one-digit (chapter) level. |
|---|---|
| Correspondence table with NABS | Not applicable (NABS is used directly; no national nomenclature requiring a correspondence table). |
3.2.2. NABS classification
| Deviations from NABS | No deviations from NABS. |
|---|---|
| Problems in identifying / separating NABS chapters and sub chapters | Data are compiled and transmitted at NABS one-digit (chapter) level. NABS sub-chapter level is not compiled/transmitted, therefore separation at sub-chapter level is not applicable. |
| Ability to distribute Non-oriented research and General University Funds (GUF) by fields of R&D | Not applicable. GBARD is not compiled by FORD, and General University Funds (GUF) are not estimated as a separate component. |
3.3. Coverage - sector
See below.
3.3.1. General coverage
| Definition of R&D | Research and experimental development (R&D) is defined in accordance with the OECD Frascati Manual 2015 as creative and systematic work undertaken in order to increase the stock of knowledge (including knowledge of humankind, culture and society) and to devise new applications of available knowledge. Only activities meeting the Frascati criteria for R&D are included. |
|---|---|
| Coverage of R&D or S&T in general | GBARD covers budget allocations that support R&D activities (as defined in the Frascati Manual). Expenditures for science and technology (S&T) activities that do not qualify as R&D are excluded. |
| Fields of R&D (FORD) covered | Not applicable for GBARD. Montenegro does not compile or transmit GBARD data by Fields of Research and Development (FORD). GBARD data are classified by socioeconomic objectives (NABS). |
| Socioeconomic objective (SEO by NABS) | Socioeconomic objectives are classified according to NABS (Nomenclature for the Analysis and Comparison of Scientific Programmes and Budgets). Data are compiled and transmitted at the NABS one-digit (chapter) level, following Eurostat methodology (no national deviations). |
3.3.2. Definition and coverage of government
GBARD statistics are assumed to report detailed data on all the government's budget items that may support R&D activities and to measure or estimate their R&D content. For the purposes of GBARD, the Government sector comprises (a) the central (federal) government, (b) regional (state) government and (c) local (municipal) government subsectors (FM2015, Chapter 12).
| Levels of government | Definition | Included / Not included | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central (federal) government | Central (federal) government refers to the national (state) level of government in Montenegro (Government, ministries and other central government bodies) whose jurisdiction covers the entire territory and whose expenditures are executed through the State Budget. Note: 'federal' is Eurostat template wording; for Montenegro it corresponds to the central/state level. | Included | Montenegro’s GBARD covers only central government budget items. All central government budget lines potentially supporting R&D are screened and their R&D content is measured/estimated in line with Eurostat/Frascati methodology. |
| Regional (state) government | Regional (state) government refers to an intermediate level of government between central and local level (e.g. regions/federal states) with own budgets and decision-making powers. | Not included (Not applicable) | Not applicable in Montenegro: there is no regional/state tier of government relevant for GBARD reporting, and no NUTS regional breakdown is produced. |
| Local (municipal) government | Local (municipal) government refers to municipalities and their budgetary units, with jurisdiction limited to the municipal territory. | Not included | Municipal budgets are not included in Montenegro’s GBARD compilation, as local government does not allocate/finance R&D within the scope of GBARD reporting. Central government is the only level covered. |
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
Not requested.
3.5. Statistical unit
The statistical unit for GBARD is a budget line/budget item (programme/project or similar budgetary appropriation) within the central government (State) budget that may support R&D activities. Where relevant, the R&D content of each budget item is identified and measured/estimated (e.g. using an R&D coefficient) in line with the Frascati Manual methodology.
3.6. Statistical population
See below.
3.6.1. National target population
The target population is the population for which inferences are made. The frame (or frames, as sometimes several frames are used) is a device that permits access to population units. The frame population is the set of population units, which can be accessed through the frame and the survey data really refer to this population.
| Definition of the national target population | The national target population for GBARD comprises all central (state) government budgetary units (ministries, agencies and other central government bodies) and all their budget lines/items that may support R&D activities, for the reference year. The scope follows the Frascati Manual 2015 (Chapter 12) concept of identifying all government budget items potentially supporting R&D and measuring/estimating their R&D content. Montenegro covers only the central government level for GBARD; regional level is not applicable and local (municipal) budgets are not included. |
|---|---|
| Estimation of the target population size | Not applicable / not estimated. GBARD compilation is based on a full coverage (complete enumeration) approach: all central government budget items potentially supporting R&D are screened for R&D relevance and included in the compilation for the reference year. |
3.7. Reference area
Not requested.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Not requested. See point 5.
3.9. Base period
Not requested. The base year for the unit Purchasing Power Standard (PPS) and PPS per inhabitant at constant prices is currently 2005. All calculations of non-basic unit (national currencies) are done by Eurostat.
Not requested.
a) Calendar year:
January - December 2023.
b) Fiscal year: 2023
Start month: January
End month: December
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
See below.
6.1.1. European legislation
Since the beginning of 2021, GBARD statistics are based on Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2020/1197 of 30 July 2020 laying down technical specifications and arrangements pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council on European business statistics repealing 10 legal acts in the field of business statistics. The Regulation sets the framework for the collection of R&D statistics and specifies the main variables of interest and their breakdowns at predefined level of detail. GBARD statistics were based until the end of 2020 on the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2012/995 concerning the production and development of Community statistics on science and technology.
6.1.2. National legislation
The production of official statistics in Montenegro is regulated by the Law on Official Statistics and Official Statistics System of Montenegro (11 March 2025). The Law defines the principles of official statistics, responsibilities of official statistics producers, statistical confidentiality, and the right of access to data for statistical purposes. GBARD is produced in accordance with the Official Statistics Programme and the Annual Plan of Official Statistics, using administrative and budget data sources.
6.1.3. Standards and manuals
- Frascati Manual 2015, Guidelines for Collecting and Reporting Data on Research and Experimental Development.
- EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Not requested.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Confidentiality, being one of the process quality components, concerns the privacy of data providers (households, enterprises, administrations and other respondents), the confidentiality of the information they provide and the extent of its use for statistical purposes.
A property of data indicating the extent to which their unauthorised disclosure could be prejudicial or harmful to the interest of the source or other relevant parties.
- Confidentiality protection required by law:
Statistical confidentiality and protection of statistical data are regulated by the Law on Official Statistics and the Official Statistics System of Montenegro. Individual data are treated as confidential when they allow statistical units to be identified directly or indirectly. Confidential data are used exclusively for statistical purposes and are disseminated only in aggregated form, in accordance with the legal provisions on confidentiality and data protection.
- Confidentiality commitments of survey staff:
Access to confidential data is restricted to authorised staff involved in official statistics production and only to the extent necessary for their work. All staff (and any external persons engaged) who may access confidential data are bound by statistical confidentiality and must sign a confidentiality statement. The confidentiality obligation continues after the termination of duties.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
GBARD results are disseminated only as aggregated data. Where needed, statistical disclosure control is applied to prevent direct or indirect identification of reporting units. Any provision of individual data without identifiers for scientific research purposes is possible only under strict legal conditions (written request, agreement/contract, and use exclusively for the approved purpose), in line with the Law on Official Statistics and internal rules.
8.1. Release calendar
Release dates are pre-announced in the Statistical Release Calendar published on the Ministry website.
8.2. Release calendar access
8.3. Release policy - user access
All users have equal access to released data at the same time. Statistical results are published according to the Statistical Release Calendar. Any change of a pre-announced release date is publicly announced together with the reason and the new release date.
Annual.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
See below.
10.1.1. Availability of the releases
| Availability (Y/N)1 | Content, format, links, ... | |
|---|---|---|
| Regular releases | N | |
| Ad-hoc releases | N | Not foreseen. If a release date changes or corrections are needed, the change/correction will be publicly announced. |
1) Y - Yes, N – No
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
See below.
10.2.1. Availability of means of dissemination
| Means of dissemination | Availability (Y/N)1 | Content, format, links, ... |
|---|---|---|
| General publication/article (paper, online) |
N | Not applicable for GBARD. |
| Specific paper publication (paper, online) |
N | Not applicable for GBARD. |
1) Y – Yes, N - No
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
GBARD data are transmitted to Eurostat and are available through Eurostat dissemination channels/online database. National dissemination is provided via web release in accordance with the Statistical Release Calendar of the Ministry as responsible producer.
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
Not requested.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
See below.
10.4.1. Provisions affecting the access
| Access rights to the information | Microdata (individual/budget-item level information) are not publicly available. Access to individual data without identifiers may be granted only under strict legal conditions for scientific research purposes (written request and agreement/contract; use exclusively for the approved purpose), in line with the Law on Official Statistics and the Official Statistics System. |
|---|---|
| Access cost policy | Official statistics results disseminated to the public are free of charge. Any special processing or provision of non-standard outputs is handled upon request under the conditions set by the producer, in line with the legal framework. |
| Micro-data anonymisation rules | Any provision of individual data (where allowed for scientific purposes) is done without identifiers and subject to anonymisation and confidentiality safeguards, in line with the Law and internal data protection procedures. |
10.5. Dissemination format - other
See below.
10.5.1. Metadata - consultations
Not requested.
10.5.2. Availability of other dissemination means
| Dissemination means | Availability (Y/N)1 | Micro-data / Aggregate figures | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet: main results available on the national statistical authority’s website | Y | Aggregate figures | Main results will be disseminated online in accordance with the Statistical Release Calendar (web dissemination). |
| Data prepared for individual ad hoc requests | Y | Aggregate figures | Data prepared for individual ad hoc requests (additional explanations/aggregations), subject to confidentiality rules. |
| Other | N | N/A | N/A |
1) Y – Yes, N - No
10.6. Documentation on methodology
Methodological documentation is provided through this National Reference Metadata and through methodological standards applied for GBARD (Frascati Manual 2015; Eurostat EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics; NABS classification for socioeconomic objectives). Any additional methodological explanations are provided as part of dissemination.
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
Not requested.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
See below.
10.7.1. Documentation and users’ requests
| Type(s) of data accompanying information available (metadata, graphs, etc.) | Reference metadata (SIMS), methodological notes/explanations and, where applicable, quality documentation are made available together with statistical outputs to facilitate correct interpretation. |
|---|---|
| Request on further clarification | Users may request clarifications via the official contact channels of the Ministry (website/email). Requests are handled within the standard timeframe, depending on complexity. |
| Measure to increase clarity | Publishing clear methodological notes and classifications together with data, maintaining reference metadata, and providing user support (answers to methodological questions and explanations of revisions/changes when relevant). |
| Impression of users on the clarity of the accompanying information to the data | No GBARD-specific user satisfaction measurement is currently available. User feedback is monitored through incoming user requests and the general user communication mechanisms. |
11.1. Quality assurance
Quality assurance for GBARD follows Eurostat/ESS methodological standards (Frascati Manual 2015 and the EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics) and the requirements of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197. Quality is ensured through standardised procedures covering identification of potentially R&D-relevant budget items, assessment/estimation of their R&D content, and classification of budget allocations by NABS socioeconomic objectives. Before transmission/dissemination, internal validation checks are applied (coverage of all relevant central government budget items, arithmetic consistency of totals and breakdowns, plausibility checks against previous years when available, and verification against source budget documents).
11.2. Quality management - assessment
Quality management is assessed on an annual basis as part of the GBARD production cycle. After compilation, results and processes are reviewed to identify potential improvements (e.g. better identification of R&D-related budget items, improved consistency of socioeconomic objective assignment, and refinement of coefficients/assumptions). Any methodological changes or revisions that may affect comparability over time are documented in the metadata and applied consistently.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
See below.
12.1.1. Needs at national level
| Users’ class1 | Description of users | Users’ needs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eurostat / European Commission and other EU institutions | EU reporting, monitoring of government support to R&D, international comparability, analysis and publication. |
| 1 | National institutions (Government of Montenegro; ministries responsible for science/education, finance, economy and other line ministries; other central government bodies) | Evidence for policy design and monitoring, preparation of strategies and reports, budgeting and prioritisation of public R&D support, evaluation of measures/programmes. |
| 4 | Researchers and students (universities, research organisations, analysts) | Research and analysis, time series use, methodological clarification, and ad hoc aggregated requests (where feasible). |
| 3 | Media and general public | Key headline figures and trends on public support to R&D, clear interpretation and communication of results. |
1) Users' class codification
1- Institutions:
- European level: Commission (DGs, Secretariat General), Council, European Parliament, ECB, other European agencies etc.
- in Member States, at the national or regional level: Ministries of Economy or Finance, other ministries (for sectoral comparisons), National Statistical Institutes and other statistical agencies (norms, training, etc.), and
- International organisations: OECD, UN, IMF, ILO, etc.
2- Social actors: Employers’ associations, trade unions, lobbies, among others, at the European, national or regional level.
3- Media: International or regional media – specialized or for the general public – interested both in figures and analyses or comments. The media are the main channels of statistics to the general public.
4- Researchers and students (Researchers and students need statistics, analyses, ad hoc services, access to specific data.).
5- Enterprises or businesses (Either for their own market analysis, their marketing strategy (large enterprises) or because they offer consultancy services).
6- Other (User class defined for national purposes, different from the previous classes).
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
To evaluate if users' needs have been satisfied, the best way is to use user satisfaction surveys.
12.2.1. National Surveys and feedback
| Conduction of a user satisfaction survey or any other type of monitoring user satisfaction | User satisfaction is monitored through ongoing communication with users and through incoming user requests and feedback. No dedicated regular user satisfaction survey is conducted specifically for GBARD. |
|---|---|
| User satisfaction survey specific for GBARD statistics | No survey has been conducted. |
| Short description of the feedback received | Feedback is mainly received through ad hoc user requests (clarifications, requests for additional breakdowns/interpretation). No structured GBARD-specific feedback results are available. |
12.3. Completeness
See below.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Obligatory GBARD data are compiled and delivered in accordance with Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197 (total GBARD and breakdown by NABS chapter level). Optional breakdowns (e.g. NABS sub-chapter level and special categories such as biotech, nanotech and security) are currently not compiled/transmitted.
12.3.2. Completeness - overview
Completeness is assessed via comparison of the data delivered against the requirements of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2020/1197.
| 5 (Very Good) |
4 (Good) |
3 (Satisfactory) |
2 (Poor) |
1 (Very poor) |
Reasons for missing cells | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provisional budget statistics1 | X | |||||
| Obligatory final budget statistics1 | X | |||||
| Optional final budget statistics2 | X | Optional breakdowns are not compiled/transmitted (NABS sub-chapter level and special categories). |
1) Criteria: Obligatory data (provisional budget and final budget). Only 'Very Good' = 100% and 'Very Poor' <100% apply.
2) Criteria: Optional data (final budget). 'Very Good' = 100%; 'Good' = >75%;'Satisfactory' 50 to 75%%; 'Poor' 25 to 50%; 'Very Poor' 0 to 25%.
12.3.3. Data availability
See below.
12.3.3.1. Data availability – Provisional data
| Availability1 | Frequency of data collection | Gap years – years with missing data | Time of compilation (T+x)2 | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total GBARD | Y – 2021-2023 | Annual | None | T+6 months | Central government only; compiled from the provisional State Budget for the reference year. |
| NABS Chapter level | Y – 2021-2023 | Annual | None | T+6 months | Breakdown by NABS 2007 at one-digit (chapter) level. |
| NABS Sub-chapter level | N | not applicable |
not applicable | not applicable | Not compiled (SEO is available at NABS one-digit level only). |
| Special categories - Biotech | N | not applicable | not applicable | not applicable | Not compiled. |
| Special categories - Nanotech | N | not applicable | not applicable | not applicable | Not compiled. |
| Special categories - Security | N | not applicable | not applicable | not applicable | Not compiled. |
1) Availability of the data: N: No, data are not available, Y: Yes, data are available + start year.
2) Time of compilation: T is assumed to represent the end of reference period, x expresses the number of months after (positive) or before (negative) T when data is compiled
12.3.3.2. Data availability – Final data
| Availability1 | Frequency of data collection | Gap years – years with missing data | Time of compilation (T+x)2 | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total GBARD | not available | not available | not available | not available | not available |
| NABS Chapter level | not available | not available | not available | not available | not available |
| NABS Sub-chapter level | not applicable | not applicable | not applicable | not applicable | not applicable |
| Special categories - Biotech | not applicable | not applicable | not applicable | not applicable | not applicable |
| Special categories - Nanotech | not applicable | not applicable | not applicable | not applicable | not applicable |
| Special categories - Security | not applicable | not applicable | not applicable | not applicable | not applicable |
1) Availability of the data: N: No, data are not available, Y: Yes, data are available + start year.
2) Time of compilation: T is assumed to represent the end of reference period, x expresses the number of months after (positive) or before (negative) T when data is compiled
12.3.3.3. Data availability – Other special categories
| Special categories | Stage1 | Availability1 | Frequency of data colletion | Gap years – years with missing data | Time of compilation (T+x)3 | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other special categories (not specified) | not applicable | N | not applicable | not applicable | not applicable | No other special categories are compiled for GBARD in Montenegro. |
1) Stage: P - provisional, F - final.
2) Availability of the data: No, data are not available, Y: Yes, data are available + start year.
3) Time of compilation: T is assumed to represent the end of reference period, x expresses the number of months after (positive) or before (negative) T when data is compiled
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Accuracy in the statistical sense denotes the closeness of computations or estimates to the exact or true values. Statistics are not equal with the true values because of variability (the statistics change from implementation to implementation of the survey due to random effects) and bias (the average of the possible values of the statistics from implementation to implementation is not equal to the true value due to systematic effects).
Several types of statistical errors occur during the survey process. The following typology of errors has been adopted:
- Sampling errors. These only affect sample surveys. They are due to the fact that only a subset of the population, usually randomly selected, is enumerated.
- Non-sampling errors. Non-sampling errors affect sample surveys and complete enumerations alike and comprise:
-
- Coverage errors,
- Measurement errors,
- Non response errors and
- Processing errors.
Model assumption errors should be treated under the heading of the respective error they are trying to reduce.
13.1.1. Accuracy - Overall by 'Types of Error'
| Sampling errors | Non-sampling errors1) | Model-assumption Errors1) | Perceived direction of the error2) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage errors | Measurement errors | Processing errors | Non response errors | |||
| - | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | NA | +/- |
1) Ranking of the type(s) of errors that result in over/under-estimation, from the most important source of error (1) to the least important source of error (5) In the event that errors of a particular type do not exist, is used the sign ‘-‘.
2) The perceived direction of the ‘overall’ error using the signs “+” for over estimation, “-” for under estimation and “+/-” when assumption of the direction of the error cannot be made for GBARD.
13.1.2. Assessment of the accuracy
| Indicators | 5 (Very Good)1 | 4 (Good)2 | 3 (Satisfactory)3 | 2 (Poor)4 | 1 (Very poor)5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GBARD | x | ||||
| National public funding to transnationally coordinated R & D | x |
1) High level of coverage (At least all national or federal ministries and the ministries and agencies responsible for R&D funding at state or regional level). High rate of response (>90%) in data collection. All figures broken down by NABS.
2) If at least one out of the three criteria described above would not be fully met.
3) In the event that the rate of response would be lower than 80% even by meeting the two remaining criteria.
4) In the event that the average rate of response would be lower than 70% and at least one of the two remaining criteria would not be met.
5) If all the three criteria described above are not met.
13.2. Sampling error
Not requested.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Not requested.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Non-sampling errors occur in all phases of a survey. They add to the sampling errors (if present) and contribute to decreasing overall accuracy. It is important to assess their relative weight in the total error and devote appropriate resources for their control and assessment.
13.3.1. Coverage error
Coverage errors are due to divergences between the target population and the frame population. The frame population is the set of target population members that has a chance to be selected into the survey sample. It is a listing of all items in the population from which the sample is drawn that contains contact details as well as sufficient information to perform stratification and sampling.
- Description/assessment of coverage errors:
Coverage errors may arise if some central government budget items that potentially support R&D are not identified as R&D-relevant during the screening of the State Budget, or if some R&D-related allocations are embedded in broader (mixed-purpose) programmes and are therefore difficult to detect. As Montenegro’s GBARD covers only central government, coverage risks related to regional or local government are not applicable.
- Measures taken to reduce their effect:
To minimise coverage errors, the compilation applies full coverage of the central government budget: all ministries and central bodies and their budget lines are reviewed. Cross-checks are performed against budget documentation and programme descriptions, and clarification is requested from responsible budget holders when the R&D relevance of a budget line is unclear. The list of potentially R&D-relevant budget items is reviewed and updated each year.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
There are no over-coverage errors in the survey.
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not requested.
13.3.2. Measurement error
Measurement errors occur during data collection and generate bias by recording values different than the true ones. The survey questionnaire used for data collection may have led to the recording of wrong values.
- Description/assessment of measurement errors:
Measurement errors mainly relate to (i) estimating the R&D content of budget items that finance mixed activities (R&D and non-R&D), and (ii) assigning the correct NABS socioeconomic objective to multi-purpose programmes. Differences in interpretation of programme descriptions and limited detail in some budget lines can lead to over- or under-estimation of the R&D share.
- Measures taken to reduce their effect:
Measurement errors are reduced through methodological guidance consistent with the Frascati Manual and Eurostat GBARD recommendations, and through expert review of the classification and R&D content estimates. Where coefficients or expert judgement are used, they are documented, applied consistently, and reviewed over time. When necessary, compilers follow up with responsible institutions for additional information.
13.3.3. Non response error
Non response errors: occur when a survey failed to collect data on all survey variables from all the population units designated for data collection in a sample or complete enumeration.
- Problems in obtaining data from targeted information providers:
GBARD compilation is primarily based on budget documentation; therefore unit non-response is generally not applicable. In cases where additional clarification is needed for specific budget items (e.g. R&D content or main objective), delays or incomplete replies from responsible institutions may occur.
- Measures taken to reduce their effect:
Follow-up contacts are carried out with the responsible institutions to obtain clarification on the R&D relevance and/or the main objective of the budget item. If information is not available in time, conservative assumptions are applied and documented, and improved information is incorporated in the next compilation cycle when available.
- Effect of non-response errors on the produced statistics:
Potential non-response effects are limited, as the main source is the State Budget. Where additional information is missing for a small number of budget items, the impact is expected to be minor and is mitigated by documented assumptions and subsequent review.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
Not requested.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Not requested.
13.3.4. Processing error
Between data collection and the beginning of statistical analysis, data must undergo a certain processing: coding, data entry, data editing, imputation, etc. Errors introduced at these stages are called processing errors. Data editing identifies inconsistencies or errors in the data.
- Data processing and editing processes:
Data are compiled from budget documentation into structured compilation tables, classified by NABS, and aggregated to produce national totals and breakdowns. Editing includes arithmetic checks (totals equal the sum of components), consistency checks across breakdowns, and plausibility checks compared with previous years when available.
- Description of errors:
Processing errors may include data entry mistakes, incorrect aggregation, mis-coding of NABS categories, or accidental double counting/omission of a budget line during compilation.
- Measures taken to reduce their effect:
Processing errors are reduced through standardised compilation templates, built-in validation rules, and peer review of compilation tables. Key outputs (totals and NABS breakdowns) are verified against source files, and any anomalies are investigated and corrected prior to transmission/dissemination.
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Model assumption errors occur when the assumptions made for the estimation of parameters, models, the testing of statistical hypotheses, etc., are violated. As a result, the quality of the resulting statistics is affected (e.g. degrees of confidence might be inflated).
Description/assessment: Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
Timeliness and punctuality refer to time and dates, but in a different manner: the timeliness of statistics reflects the length of time between their availability and the event or phenomenon they describe. Punctuality refers to the time lag between the release date of the data and the target date on which they should have been delivered, with reference to dates announced in the official release calendar.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
Date of first release of national data: Not applicable – the delay will be more than one year, because we expect to publish those data during the 2026, together with the final data for 2024.
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
Date of first release of national data: Not applicable – the delay will be more than one year, because we expect to publish those data during the 2026, together with the final data for 2024.
14.2. Punctuality
Punctuality refers to the time lag between the release date of data and the target date on which they were scheduled for release as announced officially.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
Punctuality of time schedule of data release = (Actual date of the data release) - (Scheduled date of the data release)
14.2.1.1. Deadline and date of data transmission
| Transmission of provisional data | Transmission of final data | |
|---|---|---|
| Legally defined deadline of data transmission (T+_ months) | T+ 6 | Not applicable |
| Actual date of transmission of the data (T+x months) | T+16 | Not applicable |
| Delay (days) | 485 | Not applicable |
| Reasoning for delay | Montenegro has not produce R&D statistics from 2019. The Ministry become producer of official statistics in 2024, and then conduct survey for period 2021-2023, and after that for 2024. We sent data for 2024 on time (T+10) |
15.1. Comparability - geographical
See below.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not requested.
15.1.2. Survey Concepts Issues
The following table lists a number of key survey concepts and conceptual issues; it gives reference to the Commission Regulation No 2020/1197, Frascati manual and the EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics paragraphs with recommendations about these concepts / issues.
| Concept / Issue | Reference to recommendations | Deviation from recommendations | National definition / Treatment / Deviations from recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research and development | FM2015 Chapter 2 (mainly paragraphs 2.3 and 2.4). | No deviation | |
| Coverage of levels of government | FM2015, §12.5 to 12.9 | No deviation | |
| Socioeconomic objectives coverage and breakdown | Reg. 2020/1197: Annex 1, Table 20 | No deviation | Breakdown by socioeconomic objectives is compiled according to NABS and transmitted at NABS one-digit (chapter) level, in line with Regulation (EU) 2020/1197 requirements. |
| Reference period | Reg. 2020/1197: Annex 1, Table 20 | No deviation | Reference period is the calendar year (January-December). |
15.1.3. Deviations from recommendations
GBARD encompass all spending allocations met from sources of government revenue foreseen within the budget, such as taxation. Spending allocations by extra-budgetary government entities are within the scope only to the extent that their funds are allocated through the budgetary process (FM2015 §12.9). The following table lists a number of key methodological issues, which may affect the international comparability of national GBARD statistics.
| Methodological issues | Reference to recommendations | Deviation from recommendations | National definition / Treatment / Deviations from recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition of GBARD | FM § 12.9 | No deviation | GBARD includes budget allocations that may support R&D, financed from government revenue and appropriated through the State Budget process, in line with Frascati Manual 2015 (Chapter 12). |
| Stages of data collection | FM2015 §12.41 | No deviation | Two stages are compiled: provisional budget (appropriations) and final budget (final accounts / execution), following the Eurostat GBARD transmission schedule. |
| Gross / net approach, net principle | FM2015 §12.20 and 12.21 | No deviation | Compilation follows Frascati Manual recommendations. Budget allocations are recorded consistently according to the treatment of budget appropriations/execution used in the source budget documentation. |
| EU/other funds | Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics | No deviation | EU/other external funds are included only insofar as they are channelled through and recorded in the State Budget and can be identified in budget documentation; otherwise they are outside GBARD scope. |
| Types of expenditure | FM2015 §12.15 to 12.18 | No deviation | All types of budget allocations supporting R&D are included when identifiable in the State Budget, consistent with Frascati Manual GBARD guidance. |
| Current and capital expenditure | FM §12.15 | No deviation | Where distinguishable in budget documentation, current and capital components are treated in line with Frascati Manual guidance; otherwise they are included in total GBARD without a separate split. |
| Extra budgetary funds | FM §12.8, 12.20, 12.38 | No deviation | Extra-budgetary entities are included only to the extent that their funds are allocated through the State Budget process and can be captured from budget documents; otherwise they are out of scope. |
| Loans | FM §12.31, 12.32, 12.34 | No deviation | Loans are treated according to Frascati Manual guidance. Loan instruments are not included unless they represent budgetary allocations supporting R&D that can be measured within the budget framework. |
| Indirect funding, tax rebates, etc. | FM §12.31 - 12.38 | No deviation | |
| Treatment of multi-annual projects | FM2015 §12.44 | No deviation | Multi-annual programmes/projects are recorded according to annual budget appropriations/execution for the reference year, consistent with Frascati Manual guidance. |
| Treatment of GBARD going to R&D abroad | FM2015 §12.19 | No deviation | Any budget allocations financing R&D performed abroad (if present) are included in GBARD and classified by their primary socioeconomic objective in line with NABS. |
| Criterion for distribution by socioeconomic objective | FM2015 §12.50 to 12.71 | No deviation | Budget items are classified by NABS according to their primary objective (purpose) as described in programme/budget documentation. |
| Method of identification of primary objective | Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics, topic 2, statement B.6 | No deviation | The primary objective is identified using the purpose and content of the budget item/programme in official budget documents and programme descriptions; expert judgement is applied when objectives are mixed. |
15.2. Comparability - over time
See below.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
See below.
15.2.2. Breaks in time series
| Length of comparable time series | Break years1 | Nature of the breaks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provisional data | From 2021 | None | Not applicable |
| Final data | From 2021 | None | Not applicable |
1) Breaks years are years for which data are not fully comparable to the previous period.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Gross domestic expenditure on Research and Development (GERD).
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not requested.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Not requested.
15.4. Coherence - internal
This part compares GBARD statistics from the provisional and final budget for the reference year.
15.4.1. Comparison between provisional and final data according to NABS 2007
| R&D allocations in the provisional budget delivered at T+6 | R&D allocations in the final budget delivered at T+12 | Difference (of final data) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exploration and exploitation of the Earth | 44320 | not available | not available |
| Environmentnot available | 262369 | not available | not available |
| Exploration and exploitation of space | 0 | not available | not available |
| Transport, telecommunication and other infrastructures | 34736 | not available | not available |
| Energy | 185825 | not available | not available |
| Industrial production and technology | 457607 | not available | not available |
| Health | 163792 | not available | not available |
| Agriculture | 182047 | not available | not available |
| Education | 51089 | not available | not available |
| Culture, recreation, religion and mass media | 115993 | not available | not available |
| Political and social systems, structures and processes | 54903 | not available | not available |
| General advancement of knowledge: R&D financed from General University Funds (GUF) | 0 | not available | not available |
| General advancement of knowledge: R&D financed from other sources than GUF | 0 | not available | not available |
| Defence | 0 | not available | not available |
| TOTAL GBARD | 1552681 | not available | not available |
The assessment of costs associated with a statistical product is a rather complicated task since there must exist a mechanism for appointing portions of shared costs (for instance shared IT resources and dissemination channels) and overheads (office space, utility bills etc). The assessment must become detailed and clear enough so that international comparisons among agencies of different structures are feasible.
16.1. Costs summary
| Costs for the statistical authority (in national currency) | % sub-contracted1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Staff costs | 3633 | no sub-contracting |
| Data collection costs | not available separately |
|
| Other costs | not available separately | |
| Total costs | 3633 | |
| Comments on costs | ||
| Staff costs are estimated based on the involvement of three employees, each contributing approximately 0.1 full-time equivalent (FTE) over a one-year period. The calculation is based on the gross monthly salary of EUR 1,009 per employee, resulting in total annual staff costs of EUR 3,633 allocated to the production of GBARD statistics. | ||
1) The shares of the figures given in the first column that are accounted for by payments to private firms or other Government agencies.
16.2. Components of burden and description of how these estimates were reached
| Value | Computation method | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Respondents (R) | Not estimated | GBARD is compiled from budget/administrative sources; no respondent questionnaire is used. |
| Average Time required to complete the questionnaire in hours (T)1 | Not estimated | No respondent burden is measured; compilation time is part of internal production work. |
| Average hourly cost (in national currency) of a respondent (C) | Not applicable | Not applicable (no respondents). |
| Total cost | Not applicable | Not applicable (no respondents). |
1) T = the time required to provide the information, including time spent assembling information prior to completing a form or taking part in interview and the time taken up by any subsequent contacts after receipt of the questionnaire (‘Re-contact time’)
17.1. Data revision - policy
GBARD data may be revised as part of the regular production cycle: provisional GBARD based on the adopted/provisional State Budget is replaced by final GBARD based on final budget execution/final accounts. Revisions may also occur if improved information becomes available on the R&D content or primary objective (NABS classification) of specific budget items. Any revisions are documented and, where relevant, explained in accompanying metadata.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Not requested.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not requested.
18.1. Source data
a) Provisional data:
Provisional GBARD is compiled from the adopted/provisional State Budget for the reference year (central government). All budget items potentially supporting R&D are identified, and their R&D content is measured/estimated and classified by NABS.
b) Final data:
Final GBARD is compiled from final budget execution / final accounts for the reference year (central government). The same identification, estimation and NABS classification procedures are applied as for provisional data.
c) General University Funds (GUF):
GUF is not compiled as a separate GBARD component. University-related budget allocations are treated as central government budget items and classified by primary objective (NABS) based on budget documentation.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
See 12.3.3.
18.3. Data collection
See below.
18.3.1. Data collection overview
| Provisional data | Final data | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data collection method | Compilation from the adopted/provisional State Budget (desk-based screening of budget items). | Compilation from final budget execution / final accounts (desk-based screening of budget items | Central government only. |
| Stage of data collection | Provisional (P) | Final (F) | Two-stage GBARD production (P and F). |
| Reporting units | Central government bodies (ministries/agencies and other central budget holders). | Central government bodies (ministries/agencies and other central budget holders). | No regional tier; municipal budgets not included. |
| Basic variable | Budget allocations supporting R&D (national currency), total GBARD and NABS one-digit breakdown. | Budget allocations supporting R&D (national currency), total GBARD and NABS one-digit breakdown. | Classified by NABS (SEO). |
| Time of data collection (T+x)1) | T+6 | T+12 | In line with Eurostat GBARD deadlines. |
| Problems in the translation of budget items | Managed via documentation review and follow-up when needed. | ||
1) Time of data collection (T+x): T is assumed to represent the end of reference period. x expresses the number of months after (positive) or before (negative) T when data is collected.
18.3.2. General University Funds (GUF)
University-related budget allocations are included within central government budget items.
18.3.3. Distribution by socioeconomic objectives (SEO)
| Level of distribution of budgetary items – institution or programme/project | Programme/project (budget line/item) level, as defined in the State Budget documentation |
|---|---|
| Criterion of distribution – purpose or content | Purpose (primary objective) of the budget item/programme, based on official budget and programme descriptions. |
| Method of identification of primary objectives | The primary objective is identified using the main purpose of the budget item/programme in budget documentation; where objectives are mixed, expert judgement (and, if applicable, coefficients) is used and documented. |
| Difficulties of distribution | Difficulties may arise when budget items finance multiple activities (R&D and non-R&D) or have broad programme descriptions, requiring estimation of R&D content and careful assignment of the primary NABS objective. |
18.3.4. Questionnaire and other documents
| Annex | Name of the file |
|---|---|
| GBARD national questionnaire and explanatory notes in English: | Not applicable |
| GBARD national questionnaire and explanatory notes in the national language: | GODIŠNJI IZVJEŠTAJ O BUDŽETSKIM IZDVAJANJIMA ZA ISTRAŽIVANJE I RAZVOJ |
| Other relevant documentation of national methodology in English: | This National Reference Metadata (SIMS) and internal compilation guidelines based on Frascati Manual 2015 and the Eurostat EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics. |
| Other relevant documentation of national methodology in the national language: | METODOLOGIJA STATISTIČKOG ISTRAŽIVANJA O NAUČNO ISTRAŽIVAČKOJ DJELATNOSTI - ISTRAŽIVANJE I RAZVOJ |
18.4. Data validation
Validation includes completeness checks (coverage of all relevant central government budget holders and potentially R&D-relevant budget items), arithmetic checks (consistency of totals and NABS breakdowns), plausibility checks (year-to-year comparison where available), and verification against source budget documents. Any anomalies are investigated and corrected before transmission/dissemination.
18.5. Data compilation
See below.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
No statistical imputation is applied. Where the R&D content of a mixed-purpose budget item cannot be directly identified, the R&D share may be estimated using documented coefficients or expert judgement; such estimates are treated as part of the standard GBARD compilation method rather than imputation.
18.5.2. Data compilation methods
See below.
18.5.2.1. Identifying R&D
| Method(s) of separating R&D from non-R&D | Screening of budget items and programme descriptions to identify R&D-relevant allocations; where items are mixed-purpose, estimation of the R&D share is applied. |
|---|---|
| Description of the use of the coefficient (if applicable) | For mixed-purpose budget items, an R&D coefficient (share) may be used to estimate the R&D content. Coefficients and assumptions are documented and applied consistently. |
| Coefficient estimation method | Coefficients are derived from available administrative information and expert assessment of programme content; clarification with responsible institutions is used where needed. |
| Frequency of updating of coefficients | Reviewed and updated annually as part of the compilation cycle (or whenever programme design/budget structure changes). |
18.5.2.2. General University Funds (GUF)
| Method(s) of separating R&D from non-R&D | Not applicable (GUF is not separately estimated/compiled for GBARD in Montenegro). |
|---|---|
| Description of the use of the coefficient (if applicable) | Not applicable (GUF is not separately estimated/compiled for GBARD in Montenegro). |
| Coefficient estimation method | Not applicable (GUF is not separately estimated/compiled for GBARD in Montenegro). |
| Frequency of updating of coefficients | Not applicable (GUF is not separately estimated/compiled for GBARD in Montenegro). |
18.5.2.3. Other issues
| Treatment of multi-annual programmes | Multi-annual programmes are recorded according to annual budget appropriations/execution for the reference year. |
|---|---|
| Possibility to classify budgetary items by COFOG functions | Not used for GBARD compilation. GBARD is compiled and transmitted using NABS socioeconomic objectives. |
| Possibility to classify budgetary items by other nomenclatures e.g. NACE | Not applicable for GBARD compilation. |
| Method of estimation of future budgets | Not applicable. GBARD is based on budget appropriations/execution for the reference year; no forecasting is produced. |
18.6. Adjustment
Not requested.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not requested.
Statistics on Government Budget Allocations for R&D (GBARD) measure government support to research and development (R&D) activities, and thereby provide information about the priority governments give to different public R&D funding activities. This type of funder-based approach for reporting R&D involves identifying all the budget items that may support R&D activities and measuring or estimating their R&D content.
Main concepts and definitions used for the production of R&D statistics are given by the OECD (2015), Frascati Manual 2015: Guidelines for Collecting and Reporting Data on Research and Experimental Development, The Measurement of Scientific, Technological and Innovation Activities (FM 2015, Chapter 12), which is the internationally recognised standard methodology for collecting R&D statistics and by Eurostat’s European Business Statistics Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics (EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics).
Since the beginning of 2021, the collection of R&D statistics is based on Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2020/1197 of 30 July 2020.
The Regulation sets the framework for the collection of R&D statistics and specifies the main variables of interest and their breakdowns at predefined level of detail (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197 of 30 July 2020 laying down technical specifications and arrangements pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council on European business statistics repealing 10 legal acts in the field of business statistics (europa.eu)).
Statistics on science, technology and innovation were collected until the end of 2020 based on Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2012/995 concerning the production and development of Community statistics on science and technology.
19 January 2026
Not requested.
The statistical unit for GBARD is a budget line/budget item (programme/project or similar budgetary appropriation) within the central government (State) budget that may support R&D activities. Where relevant, the R&D content of each budget item is identified and measured/estimated (e.g. using an R&D coefficient) in line with the Frascati Manual methodology.
See below.
Not requested.
a) Calendar year:
January - December 2023.
b) Fiscal year: 2023
Start month: January
End month: December
Accuracy in the statistical sense denotes the closeness of computations or estimates to the exact or true values. Statistics are not equal with the true values because of variability (the statistics change from implementation to implementation of the survey due to random effects) and bias (the average of the possible values of the statistics from implementation to implementation is not equal to the true value due to systematic effects).
Several types of statistical errors occur during the survey process. The following typology of errors has been adopted:
- Sampling errors. These only affect sample surveys. They are due to the fact that only a subset of the population, usually randomly selected, is enumerated.
- Non-sampling errors. Non-sampling errors affect sample surveys and complete enumerations alike and comprise:
-
- Coverage errors,
- Measurement errors,
- Non response errors and
- Processing errors.
Model assumption errors should be treated under the heading of the respective error they are trying to reduce.
Not requested.
See below.
a) Provisional data:
Provisional GBARD is compiled from the adopted/provisional State Budget for the reference year (central government). All budget items potentially supporting R&D are identified, and their R&D content is measured/estimated and classified by NABS.
b) Final data:
Final GBARD is compiled from final budget execution / final accounts for the reference year (central government). The same identification, estimation and NABS classification procedures are applied as for provisional data.
c) General University Funds (GUF):
GUF is not compiled as a separate GBARD component. University-related budget allocations are treated as central government budget items and classified by primary objective (NABS) based on budget documentation.
Annual.
Timeliness and punctuality refer to time and dates, but in a different manner: the timeliness of statistics reflects the length of time between their availability and the event or phenomenon they describe. Punctuality refers to the time lag between the release date of the data and the target date on which they should have been delivered, with reference to dates announced in the official release calendar.
See below.
See below.
