1.1. Contact organisation
ISTAT - Italian National Institute of Statistics
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Directorate for Economic Statistics
Structural statistics on businesses, governmental and non-profit organizations
1.3. Contact name
Restricted from publication
1.4. Contact person function
Restricted from publication
1.5. Contact mail address
Via Tuscolana, 1788, 00173 Roma
1.6. Contact email address
Restricted from publication
1.7. Contact phone number
Restricted from publication
1.8. Contact fax number
Not required.
31 October 2025
2.1. Metadata last certified
31 October 2025
2.2. Metadata last posted
31 October 2025
2.3. Metadata last update
31 October 2025
3.1. Data description
Statistics on Government R&D (GOVERD) measure research and experimental development (R&D) performed in the Government sector, i.e. R&D expenditure and R&D personnel. In line with this objective the target population for the national R&D survey of the Government sector should consist of all R&D performing units (including all R&D performers – occasional and continuous, known and unknown - in all branches and size classes) belonging to this sector.
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, which is the internationally recognised standard methodology for collecting R&D statistics and by the European Business Statistics Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics (EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics).
The guiding document to preparing the quality reports is the European Statistical System (ESS) Handbook for Quality and Metadata Reports — re-edition 2021.
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.
3.2. Classification system
- The local units for the statistics are compiled at regional level according to NUTS 2 – Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics;
- The distribution by socioeconomic objectives (SEO) is based on Nomenclature for the Analysis and Comparisons of Scientific Programmes and Budgets (NABS);
- The fields of research and development are based on Classification and distribution by Fields of Research and Development (FORD).
- The R&D personnel and researchers by educational attainment are classified by the International Standard Classification of Education ISCED 2011
3.3. Coverage - sector
See below.
3.3.1. General coverage
Definition of R&D
R&D comprise 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.
3.3.2. Sector institutional coverage
| Government sector | The definition of the Government Sector adopted in Italy matches the FM2015 definition by including all the institutional units classified by the national accounts (ESA) as included in the General government (S.13), with the exclusion of those units included in the Higher education sector (HES). The GOV sector includes the national research centres, research institutes of central and local government and health care institutions for which research activities are a secondary activity (scientific institutions for research, hospitalization and health care; general hospitals; local health centers). Other small institutions assumed to perform R&D are also included. GOV sector excludes units included in the Higher education sector (HES). The GOV sector excludes private non-profit institutions but includes the non-profit institutions (NPIs) it controls. |
|---|---|
| Hospitals and clinics | Hospitals and clinics are included if they are part of the GOV. The Government sector includes general hospitals, local health centres engaged in research, scientific institutions for research, hospitalization and health care and the department of health and social security. |
| Inclusion of units that primarily do not belong to GOV and the borderline cases. |
N |
3.3.3. R&D variable coverage
| R&D administration and other support activities | No deviation from FM. |
|---|---|
| External R&D personnel | Italian R&D data include both internal and external personnel. |
| Clinical trials: compliance with the recommendations in FM §2.61. | No deviation from FM. |
3.3.4. International R&D transactions
| Receipts from rest of the world by sector - availability | No deviation from FM. |
|---|---|
| Payments to rest of the world by sector - availability | No deviation from FM. |
3.3.5. Extramural R&D expenditures
According to the Frascati Manual (FM), expenditure on extramural R&D (i.e. R&D performed outside the statistical unit) is not included in intramural R&D performance totals (FM, §4.12).
| Data collection on extramural R&D expenditure (Yes/No) | Yes |
|---|---|
| Method for separating extramural R&D expenditure from intramural R&D expenditure | Extramural expenditure is separately collected from intramural expenditure. |
| Difficulties to distinguish intramural from extramural R&D expenditure | In some instances, the distinction between extramurally performed R&D and acquiring services to support intramural R&D in the statistical unit may blur. |
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
See below.
3.4.1. R&D expenditure
| Coverage of years | Calendar year. |
|---|---|
| Source of funds | No deviation from FM. |
| Type of R&D | No deviation from FM. |
| Type of costs | No deviation from FM. |
| Defence R&D - method for obtaining data on R&D expenditure |
3.4.2. R&D personnel
See below.
3.4.2.1. R&D personnel – Head Counts (HC)
| Coverage of years | Average number of persons employed during the calendar year. |
|---|---|
| Function | No deviation from FM. |
| Qualification | No deviation from FM. |
| Age | No deviation from FM. |
| Citizenship | No deviation from FM. |
3.4.2.2. R&D personnel – Full Time Equivalent (FTE)
| Coverage of years | Average number of persons employed during the calendar year |
|---|---|
| Function | No deviation from FM. |
| Qualification | No deviation from FM. |
| Age | No deviation from FM. |
| Citizenship | No deviation from FM. |
3.4.2.3. FTE calculation
The ratio of working hours actually spent on R&D during a specific reference period (the calendar year) divided by the total number of hours conventionally worked in the same period by the total personnel.
3.5. Statistical unit
The statistical unit is the institutional unit as defined by Council Regulation (EEC) No 1993/696 of 15 March 1993.
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 of institutional units.
The objective of the European R&D statistics is to cover all intramural R&D activities. In line with this objective, the target population for the national R&D survey of the Government Sector should consist of all R&D performing units (including known R&D performers or assumed to perform R&D). In practise however, countries in their R&D surveys might have difficulty in identifying R&D activities at the municipality level.
| Target population when sample/census survey is used for collection of raw data | Target population when administrative data or pre-compiled statistics are used | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition of the national target population | All the institutional units classified by the national accounts (ESA) as included in the General government (S.13), known or assumed to perform R&D in the reference year (with the exclusion of those units included in the Higher education sector -HES). | |
| Estimation of the target population size | 381 statistical units |
3.6.2. Frame population – Description
In ESS countries, the frame population for GOV R&D statistics is defined as the list of all the institutional units classified by the national accounts (ESA) as included in the General government (S.13), with the exclusion of those units included in the Higher education sector (HES).
| Method used to define the frame population | No deviation from FM2015. |
|---|---|
| Methods and data sources used for identifying a unit as known or supposed R&D performer | A list of potential R&D performing units is based on: a list of known R&D institutes performing or funding research activities on a regular basis (ISTAT); institutions reporting R&D in previous R&D surveys (ISTAT); institutions receiving grants for R&D; institutions that applied for participate in the allocation of 5 per 1000 of personal income tax (IRPEF) for scientific and university research and for health research (Italian Revenue Agency). |
| Inclusion of units that primarily do not belong to the frame population | No |
| Systematic exclusion of units from the process of updating the target population | No |
| Estimation of the frame population | Approx. 10,200 institutions included in the General government (S.13) with the exclusion of those units included in the Higher education sector (HES) |
3.7. Reference area
Not requested.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Not requested, see concept 12.3.3 (Data availability).
3.9. Base period
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.
R&D expenditure is published in the following units: Euro (MIO_EUR) and Euro per inhabitant (EUR_HAB); data are available in the following units: basic unit National currency (MIO_NAC); Purchasing Power Standard (MIO_PPS); Purchasing Power Standard at 2005 prices (MIO_PPS_KP05); Purchasing Power Standard per inhabitant at constant 2005 prices (PPS_HAB_KP05); Percentage of gross domestic product (PC_GDP); and Percentage of total R&D expenditure (PC_TOT - for the breakdown by source of funds).
R&D personnel data are published in full-time equivalent (FTE), in head count (HC), as a percentage of total employment and as a percentage of active population.
The data values refer to the 2023 calendar year.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
See below.
6.1.1. European legislation
Legal acts / agreements:
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 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. The transmission of R&D data is mandatory for Member States and EEA countries.
The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2012/995 concerning the production and development of Community statistics on science and technology was in force until the end of 2020.
6.1.2. National legislation
| Existence of R&D specific statistical legislation | There is no specific statistical legislation for R&D. |
|---|---|
| Are respondents obliged by the national law to provide raw and administrative data: | Respondents are obliged to provide data for this survey by Article 7 of Legislative Decree No. 322/1989 and by the Presidential Decree of 24 September 2024 approving the National Statistical Programme 2023–2025. |
6.1.3. Standards and manuals
- Frascati Manual 2015, Guidelines for Collecting and Reporting Data on Research and Experimental Development
- European Business Statistics Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Not requested.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
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.
At the level of the ESS the EU regulation 223/2009 on European statistics defines confidential data as data which allows statistical units (respondents) to be identified, either directly - by formal identifiers such as respondents’ names, addresses, identification numbers - or indirectly - by using a combination of variables or characteristics such as age, gender, education - thereby disclosing individual information (see Article 2(1)(e) of regulation 223/2009).
At national level:
- Confidentiality protection required by law: Yes
- Confidentiality commitments of survey staff: Yes, oath of office.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Primary and secondary confidentiality is respected for any data released.
8.1. Release calendar
The release calendar for the R&S data set exists and it is publicly accessible.
8.2. Release calendar access
For Eurostat this is: Release calendar - Eurostat (europa.eu)
For Italy this is : Press calendar - Italy
8.3. Release policy - user access
Through Istat databases and information systems users can choose the information according to their needs. In some cases it is possible to build customised tables, in other cases, data are structured in prepackaged downloadable tables. Each database is accompanied by methodologies, classifications, definitions related to the topic.
Through Paper, electronic and interactive publications and specialist publications (Rivista di statistica ufficiale, Istat Working Papers) Istat promotes and enhances the research activity, sharing the results of studies in the field of official statistics.
For journalists there is a press room. The Istat Media Relations Office is responsible for all dealings with the media – from national newspapers, magazines, broadcasters and online publications – and provides ongoing information, monitoring and support for publications, articles and television programmes. The press releases are issued by Istat press office from 10 a.m. on the date indicated, after a briefing to illustrate the main data, reserved for certified news agencies. During the briefing, journalists prepare the launch texts with no outside contact until a member of the press office staff approves the data release (lock-up system). Press office staff monitor agencies constantly throughout the briefing to ensure the embargo is respected. Accredited news agencies agree to respect this dissemination procedure. Failure to comply with the lock-up system may lead to temporary – or complete, in the case of repeated infractions – suspension of access to the press room.
The frequency of R&D data dissemination at Eurostat level is yearly for provisional and final data.
The frequency of R&D data dissemination at National level is yearly for provisional and final data ( Annual R&D Report and Istatdata )
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
See below.
10.1.1. Availability of the releases
| Availability (Y/N)1) | Links | |
|---|---|---|
| Regular releases | Y | Online and press communication is prepared for the release of the Annual R&D Report |
| Ad-hoc releases | Y |
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) | Links |
|---|---|---|
| General publication/article | Y | The Annual R&D Report describes the principal results of the R&D survey; it includes graphs, tables and regional estimates; a chapter of the Italian Statistical Yearbook (the "Annuario Statistico Italiano") is also dedicated to R&D; other small reports for specific topics are eventually published. Noi Italia is a website with over 100 statistical indicators |
| Specific paper publication (e.g. sectoral provided to enterprises) | N |
1) Y – Yes, N - No
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
IstatData is the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat) data warehouse (Istat database for the dissemination of aggregated data).
Tables providing R&D time series from 1963 are available.
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
Not requested.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
As Eurostat receives no R&D micro-data from the reporting countries, users should contact directly the respective national statistical institute (NSI) for access to the micro-data.
10.4.1. Provisions affecting the access
| Access rights to the micro-data |
Data are available and accessible by following the standard procedures implemented by ISTAT. |
|---|---|
| Access cost policy | |
| Micro-data anonymisation rules |
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 | |
| Data prepared for individual ad hoc requests | Y | Micro-data/ Aggregate figures | |
| Other |
1) Y – Yes, N - No
10.6. Documentation on methodology
Methodological note in Annual R&D Report
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, quality reports, etc.) | A methodological note is available in the R&D Report |
|---|---|
| Requests on further clarification, most problematic issues | We do not receive particular requests on GOV statistics; the available documentation is supposed to be clear. |
11.1. Quality assurance
At Eurostat level, the common quality framework of the European Statistical System (ESS) is composed of the European Statistics Code of Practice, the Quality Assurance Framework of the ESS, and the general quality management principles (such as continuous interaction with users, continuous improvement, integration, and harmonisation).
At the national level, the quality assurance activities implemented in the area of R & D statistics are: detailed guidelines, continuous interaction with users, quality reviews, compliance monitoring.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
Italy is in line with the Frascati Manual recommendations. Response rate increased over the last years. Biggest institutions can undervalue R&D expenditure and R&D personnel (in particular, they may not be able to supply exact figures for contract staff and consultants). In scientific institutions for research, hospitalization and health care as well as general hospitals, there is still difficulty to distinguish R&D activity from other related activities.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
See below.
12.1.1. Needs at national level
| Users’ class1) | Description of users | Users’ needs |
|---|---|---|
| Institutions | European level: Eurostat International organizations: OECD National Level: The Italian Ministry of University and Research, Regional authorities |
Statistics, country comparison and policy analysis |
| Media | Newspapersv | Reporting and analysis |
| Researchers and students | Public research centres and universities | Economic analysis and research |
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 | No such survey conducted |
|---|---|
| User satisfaction survey specific for R&D statistics | No such survey. |
| Short description of the feedback received | Not available |
12.3. Completeness
See below.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
100% for mandatory cell
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 of 30 July 2020. The Regulation (EU) stipulates periodicity of variables that should be provided, breakdowns and if they should be provided mandatory or on voluntary basis.
| Reasons for missing cells | |
|---|---|
| Preliminary variables | x |
| Obligatory data on R&D expenditure | x |
| Optional data on R&D expenditure | Not collected information |
| Obligatory data on R&D personnel | x |
| Optional data on R&D personnel | Not collected information or problems with data quality |
| Regional data on R&D expenditure and R&D personnel | x |
12.3.3. Data availability
See below.
12.3.3.1. Data availability - R&D Expenditure
| Availability1) | Frequency of data collection | Gap years – years with missing data | Changes - Description | Changes - Year of introduction | Changes - Reasons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source of funds | Y | Annual | ||||
| Type of R&D | Y | Annual | ||||
| Type of costs | Y | Annual | ||||
| Socioeconomic objective | Y | Annual | ||||
| Region | Y | Annual | ||||
| FORD | Y | Annual | ||||
| Type of institution | N |
1) Y-start year, N – data not available
12.3.3.2. Data availability - R&D Personnel (HC)
| Availability1) | Frequency of data collection | Gap years – years with missing data | Changes - Description | Changes - Year of introduction | Changes - Reasons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex | Y | Annual | ||||
| Function | Y | Annual | ||||
| Qualification | Y | Annual | ||||
| Age | Y | Annual | ||||
| Citizenship | Y | Annual | ||||
| Region | Y | Annual | ||||
| FORD | Y | Annual | ||||
| Type of institution | N |
1) Y-start year, N – data not available
12.3.3.3. Data availability - R&D Personnel (FTE)
| Availability1) | Frequency of data collection | Gap years – years with missing data | Changes - Description | Changes - Year of introduction | Changes - Reasons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex | Y | Annual | ||||
| Function | Y | Annual | ||||
| Qualification | Y | Annual | ||||
| Age | Y | Annual | ||||
| Citizenship | Y | Annual | ||||
| Region | Y | Annual | ||||
| FORD | Y | Annual | ||||
| Type of institution | N |
1) Y-start year, N – data not available
12.3.3.4. Data availability - other
| Additional dimension/variable available at national level1) | Availability2) | Frequency of data collection | Breakdown variables | Combinations of breakdown variables | Level of detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1) This question is optional. It refers to variables and breakdowns NOT asked by the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2020/1197 (neither as 'optional').
2) Y-start year
12.3.3.5. R&D personnel - Cross-classification by function and qualification (if available in FTE and HC)
| Cross-classification | Unit | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Not available | ||
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 errors1) | Non-sampling errors1) | Model-assumption Errors1) | Perceived direction of the error2) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage errors | Measurement errors | Processing errors | Non response errors | ||||
| Total intramural R&D expenditure | - | 3 | 1 | 5 | 2 | - | +/- |
| Total R&D personnel in FTE | - | 3 | 1 | 5 | 2 | - | +/- |
| Researchers in FTE | - | 3 | 1 | 5 | 2 | - | +/- |
1) Ranking of the type(s) of e-rrors that result in over/under-estimation, from the most important source of error (1) to the least important source of error (6). If errors of a particular type do not exist, the sign ‘:‘ is used.
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 R&D.
13.1.2. Assessment of the accuracy with regard to the main indicators
| Indicators | 5 (Very Good)1) |
4 (Good)2) |
3 (Satisfactory)3) |
2 (Poor)4) |
1 (Very poor)5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total intramural R&D expenditure | x | ||||
| Total R&D personnel in FTE | x | ||||
| Researchers in FTE | x |
1) 'Very Good' = High level of coverage (annual rate of substitution in the target population lower than 5%). High average rates of response (>80%) in census and sample surveys. Full data consistency with reference to totals and relationships between variables in the dataset sent to Eurostat.
2) 'Good' = If at least one out of the three criteria described above is not fully met.
3) 'Satisfactory' = If the average rate of response is lower than 60%, even by meeting the two remaining criteria.
4) 'Poor' = If the average rate of response is lower than 60% and at least one of the two remaining criteria is not met.
5) 'Very Poor' = If all the three criteria are not met.
13.2. Sampling error
That part of the difference between a population value and an estimate thereof, derived from a random sample, which is due to the fact that only a subset of the population is enumerated.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
See below.
13.2.1.1. Variance Estimation Method
Not applicable.
13.2.1.2. Confidence interval for R&D expenditure by source of funds
Not applicable
| Source of funds | R&D expenditure |
|---|---|
| Business enterprise | |
| Government | |
| Higher education | |
| Private non-profit | |
| Rest of the world | |
| Total |
13.2.1.3. Confidence interval for R&D personnel by occupation and qualification
Not applicable
| R&D personnel (FTE) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Occupation | Researchers | |
| Technicians | ||
| other support staff | ||
| Qualification | ISCED 8 | |
| ISCED 5-7 | ||
| ISCED 4 and below |
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 : The methodology may omit R&D performing units (e.g. small units that lack clear evidence of R&D activity). The omitted amount is expected to be low.
- Measures taken to reduce their effect: Using official statistical registers and various sources to detect R&D activity signals.
- Share of PNP (if PNP is included in GOV): PNP is not included in GOV.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
Not requested.
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 (e.g. difficulty to distinguish intramural from extramural R&D Expenditure). The survey questionnaire used for data collection may have led to the recording of wrong values, or there may be respondent or interviewer bias.
- Description/assessment of measurement errors:
Difficulty to distinguish R&D from other related activities (especially in scientific institutios for research, hospitalization and heatlh care as well as general hospital).
Biggest institutions can undervalue R&D expenditure and R&D personnel (in particular, they may not be able to supply exact figures for contract staff and consultants).
- Measures taken to reduce their effect: Guidance to respondents by phone and email; detailed documentations and instructions are annually provided (with a detail description of concepts as well as some examples according to the sector).
13.3.3. Non response error
Non-response occurs 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.
There are two elements of non-response:
- Unit non-response which occurs when no data (or so little as to be unusable) are collected on a designated population unit.
- Item non-response which occurs when data only on some, but not all survey variables are collected on a designated population unit.
The extent of response (and accordingly of non response) is also measured with response rates.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
The main interest is to judge if the response from the target population was satisfactory by computing the un-weighted response rate.
Definition: Eligible are the survey units which indeed belong to the target population. Frame imperfections always leave the possibility that some units may not belong to the target population. Moreover, when there is no contact with certain units and no other way to establish their eligibility they are characterised as ‘unknown eligibility units’.
Un-weighted Unit Non- Response Rate = [1 - (Number of units with a response) / (Total number of eligible and unknown eligibility units in the survey)] * 100
13.3.3.1.1. Un-weighted unit non-response rate
| Number of units with a response in the survey | Total number of units in the survey | Unit non-response rate (Un-weighted) |
|---|---|---|
| 405 | 406 | 0,997 |
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Definition: Un-weighted Item Non-Response Rate (%) = [1-(Number of units with a response for the item) / (Total number of eligible, for the item, units in the sample)] * 100
13.3.3.2.1. Un-weighted item non-response rate
| R&D Expenditure | R&D Personnel (FTE) | Researchers (FTE) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Item non-response rate (un-weighted) (%) | 99.7% | 99.7% | 99.7% |
| Comments |
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.
13.3.4.1. Identification of the main processing errors
| Data entry method applied | On-line questionnaire (direct transmission, 100%). |
|---|---|
| Estimates of data entry errors | It is expected to be very low. |
| Variables for which coding was performed | No coding is performed for respondents |
| Estimates of coding errors | - |
| Editing process and method | Use of a list of logical errors in order to catch errors and inconsistency. An automatic edit procedure check a lot of inconsistencies during data entry. |
| Procedure used to correct errors | Calling back institutions; imputations to fill missing values based on existing information of the previous year questionnaire or other available information. |
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not requested.
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
Time lag between the end of reference period and the release date of the results:
Indicator: (Release date of provisional/ first results) - (Date of reference for the data)
- End of reference period: 31 December 2023
- Date of first release of national data: 25 September 2025
- Lag (days): 632
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
- End of reference period: 31 December 2023
- Date of first release of national data: 30 June 2025
- Lag (days): 547
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) | 10 | 18 |
| Actual date of transmission of the data (T+x months) | 10 | 18 |
| Delay (days) | 0 | 0 |
| Reasoning for delay |
15.1. Comparability - geographical
See below.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not requested.
15.1.2. General issues of comparability
The R&D personnel is total (internal + external) R&D personnel.
Before 1991 Gov R&D expenditure included extramural expenditure.The effect of the inclusion of extramural expenditure prior to 1991 accounted for only about 1% of the Government sector R&D expenditure (GOVERD).
15.1.3. Survey Concepts Issues
The following table lists a number of key survey concepts and conceptual issues; it gives reference to the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2020/1197, Frascati manual (FM) and EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics paragraphs with recommendations about these concepts / issues.
| Concept / Issues | Reference to recommendations | Deviation from recommendations | Comments on national definition / Treatment – deviations from recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| R&D personnel | FM2015 Chapter 5 (mainly sub-chapter 5.2). | No deviation | |
| Researcher | FM2015, § 5.35-5.39. | No deviation | |
| Approach to obtaining Headcount (HC) data | FM2015, § 5.58-5.61 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No deviation | |
| Approach to obtaining FTE data | FM2015, § 5.49-5.57 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No deviation | |
| Reporting data according to formula: Total R&D personnel = Internal R&D personnel + External R&D personnel | FM2015, §5.25 | No deviation | |
| Intramural R&D expenditure | FM2015, Chapter 4 (mainly sub-chapter 4.2). | No deviation | |
| Statistical unit | FM2015, § 8.64-8.65 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No deviation | |
| Target population | FM2015, § 8.63 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No deviation | |
| Sector coverage | FM2015, § 8.2-8.13 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No deviation | |
| Hospitals and clinics | FM2015, § 8.22 and 8.34 | No deviation | |
| Borderline research institutions | FM2015, § 8.14-8.23 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No deviation | |
| Fields of research & development coverage and breakdown | Reg. 2020/1197 : Annex 1, Table 18 | No deviation | |
| Socioeconomic objectives coverage and breakdown | Reg. 2020/1197 : Annex 1, Table 18 | No deviation | |
| Reference period | Reg. 2020/1197 : Annex 1, Table 18 | No deviation |
15.1.4. Deviations from recommendations
The following table lists a number of key methodological issues, which may affect the international comparability of national R&D statistics. The table gives the references in the Frascati manual (FM), where related recommendations are made. Countries are asked to report on the existence of any deviations from existing recommendations and comment upon.
| Methodological issues | Reference to recommendations | Deviation from recommendations | Comments on national treatment / treatment deviations from recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data collection method | FM2015 Chapter 8 (mainly sub-chapter 8.5). | No deviation | Online questionnaire |
| Survey questionnaire / data collection form | FM2015 Chapter 8 (mainly sub-chapter 8.5). | No deviation | |
| Cooperation with respondents | FM2015 Chapter (mainly sub-chapter 8.5). | No deviation | |
| Data processing methods | FM2015 Chapter 8 (mainly sub-chapters 8.5-8.6). | No deviation | |
| Treatment of non-response | FM2015 Chapter 8 (mainly sub-chapter 8.5). | No deviation | In the event that a relevant institution does not fill the questionnaire, data of the previous year are used after careful checking and updating (if necessary). |
| Variance estimation | FM2015 Chapter 6 (mainly sub-chapter 6.7). | Not applicable | |
| Data compilation of final and preliminary data | Reg. 2020/1197 : Annex 1, Table 18 | No deviation |
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| R&D personnel (HC) | No break | ||
| Function | No break | ||
| Qualification | No break | ||
| R&D personnel (FTE) | No break | ||
| Function | No break | ||
| Qualification | No break | ||
| R&D expenditure | 2012, 1991, 1987 | 2012: a better evaluation of the research activities carried out in some important national research institutions has bought about a strong increase of total R&D intra-muros expenditure in the Government sector.This largely depends on adjustments related to changes in the treatment of data on “other current costs” and “capital expenditure”. Basically, it is due to the difficulty to distinguish R&D activity from other related activities.In parallel, as a result of the new legislation on fines for non-respondents, the number of units with a R&D activity has sensibly increased in 2012 over the past year (new respondents are mostly general hospitals and local government administrations). As a combination of the two mentioned phenomena, a comparability issue over time could emerge for Government R&D. 1991: Extramural expenditure is collected separately in Italian R&D surveys and can thus be excluded from the data. 1987: The breakdown of R&D expenditure by type of R&D is based on total expenditure and not current expenditure on R&D. |
|
| Source of funds | - | ||
| Type of costs | - | ||
| Type of R&D | - | ||
| Other | - |
1) Breaks years are years for which data are not fully comparable to the previous period.
15.2.3. Collection of data in the even years
The Data are produced in the same way in the odd and even years.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
This part deals with any national coherence assessments which may have been undertaken. It reports results for variables which are the same or relevant to R&D statistics, from other national surveys and / or administrative sources and explains and comments on their degree of agreement with R&D statistics.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not requested.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Data on R&D expenditure are yearly requested by the SNA for their calculations.
15.4. Coherence - internal
See below.
15.4.1. Comparison between preliminary and final data
This part compares key R&D variables as preliminary and final data.
| Total R&D expenditure – GOVERD (in 1000 of national currency) | Total R&D personnel (in FTEs) | Total number of researchers(in FTEs) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary data (delivered at T+10) | 4102369 | 44456 | 27380 |
| Final data (delivered T+18) | 4370870 | 45209 | 27672 |
| Difference (of final data) | 268501 | 753 | 292 |
Comments:
....
15.4.2. Consistency between R&D personnel and expenditure
| Average remuneration per year (cost in national currency) | Explanations of consistency issues, if any | |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency between FTEs of internal R&D personnel and R&D labour costs (1) | N/A | |
| Consistency between FTEs of external R&D personnel and other current costs for external R&D personnel (2) | N/A |
(1) Calculate the average remuneration (cost) of individuals belonging to the internal R&D personnel, excluding those who are only formally ‘employees’ (university students, grant holders, etc.).
(2) Calculate the average remuneration (cost) of individuals belonging to the external R&D personnel (FTEs/other current R&D costs for external R&D personnel).
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) | Cost for the NSI in time use/person/day | |
|---|---|---|
| Staff costs | ||
| Data collection costs | ||
| Other costs | ||
| Total costs |
1) The shares of the figures given in the first column that are accounted for by payments to private firms or other Government agencies.
Comments on costs:
....
16.2. Components of burden and description of how these estimates were reached
| Value | Computation method | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Respondents (R) | 406 | |
| Average Time required to complete the questionnaire in hours (T)1) | Information not available | |
| Average hourly cost (in national currency) of a respondent (C) | Information not available | |
| Total cost | Information not available |
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
Not requested.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Not requested.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not requested.
18.1. Source data
Several separate activities are used for the collection of raw data or pre-compiled administrative data and statistics related to R&D. This section collects information on the type of data collection instruments used as well as methodological information for each data collection instrument. Depending on the type of data collection instrument used, only the sections corresponding to that data collection instrument are filled in.
18.1.1. Data source – general information
| Survey name | Statistical Survey on the Research and Development in public institutions , Final data 2023- Preliminary data 2024 and 2025 |
|---|---|
| Type of survey | The survey is census-based, considering that the target population is composed of all public institutions that potentially perform R&D (occasional and continuous) belonging to Government sector, according to the information we received from other statistical or administrative sources and previous R&D surveys. |
| Combination of sample survey and census data | No combination |
| Combination of dedicated R&D and other survey(s) | No combination |
| Sub-population A (covered by sampling) | |
| Sub-population B (covered by census) | |
| Variables the survey contributes to | |
| Survey timetable-most recent implementation | Data collection of 2023 R&D data: February-May 2025 |
18.1.2. Sample/census survey information
| Sampling unit | 405 , info already mentioned under the previous different point |
|---|---|
| Stratification variables (if any - for sample surveys only) | |
| Stratification variable classes | |
| Population size | |
| Planned sample size | |
| Sample selection mechanism (for sample surveys only) | |
| Survey frame | |
| Sample design | |
| Sample size | |
| Survey frame quality | |
| Variables the survey contributes to |
18.1.3. Information on collection of administrative data or of pre-compiled statistics
Information available under the previous different points
| Source | |
|---|---|
| Description of collected data / statistics | |
| Reference period, in relation to the variables the administrative source contributes to | |
| Variables the administrative source contributes to |
18.2. Frequency of data collection
See 12.3.3.
18.3. Data collection
See below.
18.3.1. Data collection overview
| Information provider | The Italian GOV R&D survey is a web survey (with the same characteristics as the surveys conducted for the PNP and BES sectors). Data collection uses the Istat Web Portal. A single software tool is used for electronic questionnaires, a generalized in-house product that allows the creation of the main survey’s contents: survey metadata, survey variables, questionnaire structure, management of filter rules and checking rules plan. |
|---|---|
| Description of collected information | No deviation from Frascati Manual |
| Data collection method | The Italian GOV R&D survey is a web survey (with the same characteristics as the surveys conducted for the PNP and BES sectors). Data collection uses the Istat Web Portal. A single software tool is used for electronic questionnaires, a generalized in-house product that allows the creation of the main survey’s contents: survey metadata, survey variables, questionnaire structure, management of filter rules and checking rules plan. |
| Time-use surveys for the calculation of R&D coefficients | - |
| Realised sample size (per stratum) | - |
| Mode of data collection (face-to-face interviews; telephone interviews; postal surveys, etc.) | - |
| Incentives used for increasing response | - |
| Follow-up of non-respondents | E-mail reminders and phone reminders are usually undertaken to receive the questionnaires properly filled. |
| Replacement of non-respondents (e.g. if proxy interviewing is employed) | - |
| Response rate (ratio of completed "interviews" over total number of eligible enterprises or enterprises of unknown eligibility) | 99.7 |
| Non-response analysis (if applicable -- also see section 18.5.4 Data compilation - Weighting and Estimation methods) |
18.3.2. Questionnaire and other documents
| Annex | Name of the file |
|---|---|
| R&D national questionnaire and explanatory notes in English: | Not available. |
| R&D national questionnaire and explanatory notes in the national language: | Questionario di rilevazione sulla R&S nelle istituzioni pubbliche. |
| Other relevant documentation of national methodology in English: | Not available. |
| Other relevant documentation of national methodology in the national language: | Guida alla compilazione del questionario di rilevazione sulla R&S nelle istituzioni pubbliche. |
18.4. Data validation
Validation activities carried out consist of: checking that the population coverage and response rates are as required; comparing the statistics with those of previous cycle at micro and macro level; comparing the statistics against other relevant data; investigating inconsistencies in the statistics (detecting and correcting individual errors in data records through a set of edits that are performed for GOV R&D survey); contacting the respondent concerning inconsistencies, errors or missing data.
18.5. Data compilation
See below.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Imputation is the method of creating plausible (but artificial) substitute values for all those missing.
Definition:
Imputation rate (for the variable x) % = (Number of imputed records for the variable x) * 100/ (Total number of possible records for x)
18.5.2. Data compilation methods
| Data compilation method - Final data | according to Frascati |
|---|---|
| Data compilation method - Preliminary data | According to Frascati |
18.5.3. Measurement issues
| Method of derivation of regional data | Italy has regional offices that collect the data and transmit it to INSTAT |
|---|---|
| Coefficients used for estimation of the R&D share of more general expenditure items | Not applicable |
| Inclusion or exclusion of VAT and provisions for depreciation in the measurement of expenditures | VAT is excluded |
18.5.4. Weighting and estimation methods
| Description of weighting method | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Description of the estimation method | Not applicable |
18.6. Adjustment
Not requested.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not requested.
No comments.
Statistics on Government R&D (GOVERD) measure research and experimental development (R&D) performed in the Government sector, i.e. R&D expenditure and R&D personnel. In line with this objective the target population for the national R&D survey of the Government sector should consist of all R&D performing units (including all R&D performers – occasional and continuous, known and unknown - in all branches and size classes) belonging to this sector.
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, which is the internationally recognised standard methodology for collecting R&D statistics and by the European Business Statistics Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics (EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics).
The guiding document to preparing the quality reports is the European Statistical System (ESS) Handbook for Quality and Metadata Reports — re-edition 2021.
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.
31 October 2025
See below.
The statistical unit is the institutional unit as defined by Council Regulation (EEC) No 1993/696 of 15 March 1993.
See below.
Not requested.
The data values refer to the 2023 calendar year.
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.
R&D expenditure is published in the following units: Euro (MIO_EUR) and Euro per inhabitant (EUR_HAB); data are available in the following units: basic unit National currency (MIO_NAC); Purchasing Power Standard (MIO_PPS); Purchasing Power Standard at 2005 prices (MIO_PPS_KP05); Purchasing Power Standard per inhabitant at constant 2005 prices (PPS_HAB_KP05); Percentage of gross domestic product (PC_GDP); and Percentage of total R&D expenditure (PC_TOT - for the breakdown by source of funds).
R&D personnel data are published in full-time equivalent (FTE), in head count (HC), as a percentage of total employment and as a percentage of active population.
See below.
Several separate activities are used for the collection of raw data or pre-compiled administrative data and statistics related to R&D. This section collects information on the type of data collection instruments used as well as methodological information for each data collection instrument. Depending on the type of data collection instrument used, only the sections corresponding to that data collection instrument are filled in.
The frequency of R&D data dissemination at Eurostat level is yearly for provisional and final data.
The frequency of R&D data dissemination at National level is yearly for provisional and final data ( Annual R&D Report and Istatdata )
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.
