1.1. Contact organisation
Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Innovation, Research and Development Policy
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
52 St. Stephens Green
Dublin 2 D02 DR67
Ireland
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
16 November 2023
2.2. Metadata last posted
16 November 2023
2.3. Metadata last update
16 November 2023
3.1. Data description
Statistics on higher education R&D (HERD) measure research and experimental development (R&D) performed in the higher education 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 higher education sector should consist of all R&D performing institutional units (including all R&D performers – occasional and continuous, known and unknown - in all branches and size classes) belonging to this sector.
The 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 Eurostat’s European Business Statistics Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics(EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics) complements this with guidelines for further harmonisation among EU, EFTA and candidate countries.
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. 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
- The local unit for the statistics are compiled at regional level according to NUTS 2 – Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics;
- The distribution by socioeconomic objectives (SEO) are 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).
3.2.1. Additional classifications
| Additional classification used | Description |
3.3. Coverage - sector
See below.
3.3.1. General coverage
| Definition of R&D | From Frascati Manual |
| Fields of Research and Development (FORD) | Data is collected by the major Fields of Science |
| Socioeconomic objective (SEO by NABS) |
3.3.2. Sector institutional coverage
| Higher education sector | Third level universities, Technological Universities and Institutes of technology |
| Tertiary education institution | |
| University and colleges: core of the sector | Total inclusion of all universities and colleges of technology |
| University hospitals and clinics | Included only when the R&D is carried out in hospitals by staff employed by third level teaching units. |
| HES Borderline institutions | A number of 'mission-oriented' R&D institutes, while located on university grounds, are classified in the government sector. |
| Inclusion of units that primarily do not belong to HES |
3.3.3. R&D variable coverage
| R&D administration and other support activities | All administration directly connected with research projects is included in the data. Central administration in support of R&D is excluded. |
| External R&D personnel | Beginning 1996, post-graduate PhD students are included only if they are included on the university payroll (conforming to Frascati Manual recommendations); otherwise they are excluded. Prior to 1996, all post-graduate PhD students were included in the personnel data. |
| Clinical trials | Corresponds to Frascati Manual |
3.3.4. International R&D transactions
| Receipts from rest of the world by sector - availability | Data available for Goverd and HE Sectors |
| Payments to rest of the world by sector - availability | Data available for Goverd and HE Sectors |
3.3.5. Extramural R&D expenditures
According to the Frascati Manual, 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) | No. Survey data compiled on Government extramural expenditure on R&D only. |
| Method for separating extramural R&D expenditure from intramural R&D expenditure | |
| Difficulties to distinguish intramural from extramural R&D expenditure |
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
See below.
3.4.1. R&D expenditure
| Coverage of years | Biennial survey |
| Source of funds | GUF: Each university receives a block-grant (GUF) for its overall activities*. The percentage time spent by academic staff on research in each department is applied to the block grant received by that department to derive the part being spent on R&D. Information on direct government funds is separately available by department. Own funds are identified as a separate category. Also broken down by EC funds, Irish and foreign businesses and private funding (Individuals and philanthropists). *Previously, block-grant data was not included for institutes of technology but it is now included beginning with the 2016 report (2014-15 survey) |
| Type of R&D | No divergence from FM |
| Type of costs | No divergence from FM |
| Defence R&D - method for obtaining data on R&D expenditure | There is no expenditure on Defence R&D |
3.4.2. R&D personnel
See below.
3.4.2.1. R&D personnel – Head Counts (HC)
| Coverage of years | Biennial (even years) |
| Function | Data available by occupation for survey years (even years), with national estimates for other years |
| Qualification | Researchers are broken out by PhD holders and other |
| Age | N/A |
| Citizenship | N/A |
3.4.2.2. R&D personnel – Full Time Equivalent (FTE)
| Coverage of years | Biennial survey (even years) |
| Function | Researchers and other personnel |
| Qualification | For researchers PhD and other researchers |
| Age | N/A |
| Citizenship | N/A |
3.4.2.3. FTE calculation
FTE calculation is done by multiplying the percentage of research time by the number of R&D personnel
3.4.2.4. R&D personnel - Cross-classification by function and qualification
| Cross-classification | Unit | Frequency |
| N/A |
3.5. Statistical unit
The statistical unit is the institutional unit as defined by Council Regulation (EEC) No 1993/696 of 15 March 1993, if there are deviations please explain.
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 HES Sector should consist of all R&D performing institutional 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 publically funded third-level universities, technological universities and institutes of technology. | Regular R&D performers. |
| Estimation of the target population size | N/A | N/A |
3.7. Reference area
Not requested. R&D statistics cover national and regional data.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Not requested. See point 3.4.
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.
Expenditure in thousands of Euro and personnel in FTE and head count.
2021
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. 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. |
| Nature of the “obligations” of responsible national organisations to produce statistics and report to international organisations |
6.1.2. National legislation
| Existence of R&D specific statistical legislation | General national statistical legislation |
| Legal acts | BES http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2018/si/38/made/en/print |
| Obligation of responsible organisations to produce statistics (as derived from the legal acts) | http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1993/act/21/enacted/en/html |
| Right of responsible organisations to collect data – obligation of (natural / legal) persons to provide raw and administrative data (as derived from the legal acts) | http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1993/act/21/enacted/en/html |
| Obligation of responsible organisations to protect confidential information from disclosure (as derived from the legal acts) | http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1993/act/21/enacted/en/html |
| Rights of access of third organisations / persons to data and statistics (as derived from the legal acts) | http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1993/act/21/enacted/en/html |
| Planned changes of legislation |
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
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.
a) Confidentiality protection required by law:
N/A
b) Confidentiality commitments of survey staff:
N/A
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
N/A
Biennial
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 |
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) |
Y | Report published on the Irish Government website: www.gov.ie/publications |
| Specific paper publication (e.g. sectoral provided to enterprises) (paper, online) |
1) Y – Yes, N - No
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
N/A
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 | N/A |
| Access cost policy | None |
| 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 | Available on the Irish Government website: www.gov.ie/publications | |
| Data prepared for individual ad hoc requests | N | ||
| Other | Y |
1) Y – Yes, N - No
10.6. Documentation on methodology
N/A
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.) | Graphic representation of data along with accompanying descriptive text. |
| Request on further clarification, most problematic issues | N/A |
| Measure to increase clarity | Clarity is continually improved with each publication through additional graphical and textual information |
| Impression of users on the clarity of the accompanying information to the data | Satisfactory |
11.1. Quality assurance
Done internally but Unit
11.2. Quality management - assessment
Detailed questionnaires are sent to all Universities, Technological Universities and Institute of Technology in the State and data is received from all these bodies. The current methodology is satisfactory.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
See below.
12.1.1. Needs at national level
| Users’ class1 | Description of users | Users’ needs |
| 1 | European Commission and national Government Departments | Data from HERD is used to inform policy and to monitor progress of Government funding for R&D from its long-term Science Stategy. |
| 2 | IBEC, ICTU, ISME, SFA and other members of the social partnership process. | Analysis of overall Government investment in R&D |
| 3 | Media outlets | Articles and commentaries on Ireland's committment to R&D |
| 4 | Researchers and students | Ad hoc requests in relation to individual areas of 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 |
| User satisfaction survey specific for R&D statistics | N/A |
| Short description of the feedback received | N/A |
12.3. Completeness
See below.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Complete required data transmitted to Eurostat.
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. The Regulation (EU) stipulates periodicity of variables that should be provided, breakdowns and if they should be provided mandatory or on voluntary basis.
| 5 (Very Good) |
4 (Good) |
3 (Satisfactory) |
2 (Poor) |
1 (Very poor) |
Reasons for missing cells |
|
| Preliminary variables | X | |||||
| Obligatory data on R&D expenditure | X | |||||
| Optional data on R&D expenditure | X | |||||
| Obligatory data on R&D personnel | X | |||||
| Optional data on R&D personnel | X | |||||
| Regional data on R&D expenditure and R&D personnel | X |
Criteria:
A) Obligatory data. Only 'Very Good' = 100%, Poor' >95%; 'Very Poor' <100% apply.
B) Optional data. '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 - R&D Expenditure
| Availability1 | Frequency of data collection | Gap years – years with missing data | Modifications - Description | Modifications - Year of introduction | Modifications - Reasons | |
| Source of funds | Y - 2002 | biennial | ||||
| Type of R&D | Y - 2002 | biennial | ||||
| Type of costs | Y - 2002 | biennial | ||||
| Socioeconomic objective | Y - 2002 | biennial | ||||
| Region | Y - 2002 | biennial | ||||
| FORD | Y - 2002 | biennial | ||||
| Type of institution | Y - 2002 | biennial |
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 | Modifications - Description | Modifications - Year of introduction | Modifications - Reasons | |
| Sex | Y - 2002 | biennial | ||||
| Function | Y - 2002 Researchers and other R&D personnel |
biennial | ||||
| Qualification | Y - 2002 Researchers by PhD and non-PhD |
biennial | ||||
| Age | N | |||||
| Citizenship | N | |||||
| Region | Y - 2002 | biennial | ||||
| FORD | Y - 2002 | biennial | ||||
| Type of institution | Y - 2002 | biennial |
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 | Modifications - Description | Modifications - Year of introduction | Modifications - Reasons | |
| Sex | Y-1980 | Biennial | ||||
| Function | Y-2002 | Biennial | ||||
| Qualification | Y-2002 | Biennial | ||||
| Age | N | |||||
| Citizenship | N | |||||
| Region | Y-2002 | Biennial | ||||
| FORD | Y-2002 | Biennial | ||||
| Type of institution | Y-2002 | Biennial |
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 |
| N/A |
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
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:
1. 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.
2. Non-sampling errors. Non-sampling errors affect sample surveys and complete enumerations alike and comprise:
a) Coverage errors,
b) Measurement errors,
c) Non response errors and
d) 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 | ||||
| Total intramural R&D expenditure | - (census) | - | 2 | 1 | - | N/A | +/- |
| Total R&D personnel in FTE | - | - | 2 | 1 | - | N/A | +/- |
| Researchers in FTE | - | - | 2 | 1 | - | N/A | +/- |
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 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' = In the event that at least one out of the three criteria above described would not be fully met.
3) 'Satisfactory' = In the event that the average rate of response would be lower than 60% even by meeting the two remaining criteria.
4) 'Poor' = In the event that the average rate of response would be lower than 60% and at least one of the two remaining criteria would not be 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
The main indicator used to measure sampling errors is the coefficient of variation (CV).
Definition of coefficient of variation:
CV= (Square root of the estimate of the sampling variance) / (Estimated value)
13.2.1.1. Variance Estimation Method
N/A (no sampling is done because it is a census)
13.2.1.2. Confidence interval for R&D expenditure by source of funds
| Source of funds | R&D expenditure |
| Business enterprise | N/A |
| 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
| R&D personnel (FTE) | ||
| Function | Researchers | N/A |
| 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.
a) Description/assessment of coverage errors:
All relevant institutions are covered.
b) Measures taken to reduce their effect:
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
N/A
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.
a) Description/assessment of measurement errors:
Calculation of FTE numbers
b) Measures taken to reduce their effect:
Phone calls to crosscheck with correspondents
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)
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) |
| 21 | 21 | 0 |
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 variable/breakdown | Item non-response rate (un-weighted) (%) | Comments |
13.3.3.3. Measures to increase response rate
N/A
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 | Data Keying |
| Estimates of data entry errors | 0 |
| Variables for which coding was performed | Fields of science |
| Estimates of coding errors | 0 |
| Editing process and method | Cross-checks in data set |
| Procedure used to correct errors | Re-contact with information provider |
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)
a) End of reference period: 31 December 2021
b) Date of first release of national data: 31 October 2022
c) Lag (days): 300 days
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
a) End of reference period: 31 December 2021
b) Date of first release of national data: 31 June 2023
c) Lag (days): 545 days
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) | ||
| Delay (days) | ||
| 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
N/A
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 or Frascati manual 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 paragraph 5.2). | No | |
| Researcher | FM2015, § 5.35-5.39. | No | |
| Approach to obtaining Headcount (HC) data | FM2015, § 5.58-5.61 (in combination with Eurostat'EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No | |
| Approach to obtaining Full-time equivalence (FTE) data | FM2015, § 5.49-5.57 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No | |
| Reporting data according to formula: Total R&D personnel = Internal R&D personnel + External R&D personnel | FM2015, §5.25 | No | |
| Intramural R&D expenditure | FM2015, Chapter 4 (mainly paragraph 4.2). | No | |
| Statistical unit | FM2015 §3.70 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No | |
| Target population | FM2015 §9.6 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No | |
| Sector coverage | FM2015 §3.67-3.69 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No | |
| Post-secondary (non university / college) education institutions | FM2015 §9.12 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No | |
| Hospitals and clinics | FM2015 §9.13-9.17, §9.109-9.112 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No | |
| Borderline research institutions | FM2015 §9.13-9.17, §9.109-9.112 (in combination with Eurostat's EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics). | No | |
| Major fields of science and technology coverage and breakdown | Reg. 2020/1197 : Annex 1, Table 18 | No | |
| Reference period | Reg. 2020/1197 : Annex 1, Table 18 | No |
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, where related recommendations are made. Countries are asked to report on the existence of any deviations from existing recommendations and comment upon.
| Methodological issues | Deviation from recommendations | Comments on national treatment / treatment deviations from recommendations |
| Data collection method | No | |
| Survey questionnaire / data collection form | No | |
| Cooperation with respondents | No | |
| Coverage of external funds | No | |
| Distinction between GUF and other sources – Sector considered as source of funds for GUF | No | |
| Data processing methods | No | |
| Treatment of non-response | No | |
| Variance estimation | No | |
| Method of deriving R&D coefficients | No | |
| Quality of R&D coefficients | No | |
| Data compilation of final and preliminary data | No |
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) | 2002-2021 | ||
| Function | 2002-2021 | ||
| Qualification | 2002-2021 | ||
| R&D personnel (FTE) | 2002-2021 | ||
| Function | 2002-2021 | ||
| Qualification | 2002-2021 | ||
| R&D expenditure | 2002-2021 | 2018 | The October preliminary figure was based on the growth rate between the 2016 and 2018 HERD, but during the 2020 HERD data collection there were variations between third level institutions. During HERD data collection institutions estimate how much of their block grant was spent on research. Institutions went beyond the block grant – they were using additional financial source for their reporting and this inflated the overall figure. To rectify this, we introduced an agreed methodology which now means that all the institutions use the same method to calculate the HERD. We also asked the institutions to re-submit their 2018 data using the new methodology. This means that there is a break in the series in 2018, i.e., pre-2018 figures should not be compared with 2018 figures and up. |
| Source of funds | 2002-2021 | ||
| Type of costs | 2002-2021 | ||
| Type of R&D | 2002-2021 | ||
| 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
Are the data produced in the same way in the odd and even years? If no, please explain the main differences.
Yes
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. The education statistics (UNESCO/OECD/Eurostat (UOE)) include R&D expenditure in tertiary educational institutions and follow the recommendations of the Frascati manual regarding the definition of R&D expenditure. Due to the differences in the coverage some differences in the two datasets (UOE questionnaire and the R&D HES surveys) are expected. However, there is a need to ensure that a harmonised approach is used for compiling data in the two domains. The two statistical domains should aim for a consistent use of R&D coefficients for splitting teaching and research time.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not requested.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
N/A
15.3.3. National Coherence Assessments
| Variable name | R&D Statistics - Variable Value | Other national statistics - Variable value | Other national statistics - Source | Difference in values (of R&D statistics) | Explanation of / comments on difference |
| N/A |
15.3.4. Coherence – Education statistics
N/A
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 – HERD (in 1000 of national currency) | Total R&D personnel (in FTEs) | Total number of researchers (in FTEs) | |
| Preliminary data (delivered at T+10) | 796873 | 20386 | 10472 |
| Final data (delivered T+18) | 773153.532 | 22946 | 12333 |
| Difference (of final data) | -23,719.468 | 2560 | 1861 |
15.4.2. Consistency between R&D personnel and expenditure
| Average remuneration (cost¨in national currency) | |
| 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) | % sub-contracted1) | |
| Staff costs | Not calculated | |
| Data collection costs | Not calculated | |
| Other costs | Not calculated | |
| Total costs | Not calculated | |
| Comments on 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.
16.2. Components of burden and description of how these estimates were reached
| Value | Computation method | |
| Number of Respondents (R) | 21 | |
| Average Time required to complete the questionnaire in hours (T)1 | Not calculated | |
| Average hourly cost (in national currency) of a respondent (C) | Not calculated | |
| Total cost | Not calculated |
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. For simplicity, we call them surveys irrespective of whether they are sample surveys, censuses, collections of administrative data/pre-compiled statistics. This section presents the names of the surveys by sector of performance as well as methodological information for each survey. Depending on the type of survey and sector of performance, only the sections corresponding to that survey and sector are filled in.
18.1.1. Data source – general information
| Survey name | The Higher Education R&D Survey |
| Type of survey | Census |
| Combination of sample survey and census data | |
| Combination of dedicated R&D and other survey(s) | |
| Sub-population A (covered by sampling) | |
| Sub-population B (covered by census) | |
| Variables the survey contributes to | R&D expenditure, by universities/technological universities/institutes of technology; as a % of economic activity, by field of science and by type of research, Researchers and Research Personnel (headcount and FTE) by performer, field of science and by gender, Sources of funding by field of science, Types of costs by field of science. |
| Survey timetable-most recent implementation |
18.1.2. Sample/census survey information
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | |
| Sampling unit | All publically funded third-level universities,technological universities and institutes of technology. | ||
| Stratification variables (if any - for sample surveys only) | N/A | ||
| Stratification variable classes | N/A | ||
| Population size | 21 third-level institutions in 2020. This will be slightly smaller for the 2022 survey as a number of institutions have merged. | ||
| Planned sample size | N/A | ||
| Sample selection mechanism (for sample surveys only) | N/A | ||
| Survey frame | All publically funded third-level universities, technological universities and institutes of technology. | ||
| Sample design | |||
| Sample size | |||
| Survey frame quality | N/A |
18.1.3. Information on collection of administrative data or of pre-compiled statistics
| Source | N/A |
| Description of collected data / statistics | N/A |
| Reference period, in relation to the variables the survey contributes to | N/A |
18.2. Frequency of data collection
See 12.3.3.
18.3. Data collection
See below.
18.3.1. Data collection overview
| Information provider | All publically funded third-level universities, technological universities and institutes of technology. |
| Description of collected information | R&D expenditure and R&D personnel (head-count and FTE) |
| Data collection method | Excel spreadsheets |
| Time-use surveys for the calculation of R&D coefficients | |
| Realised sample size (per stratum) | N/A |
| Mode of data collection (face-to-face interviews; telephone interviews; postal surveys, etc.) | Electronic Surveys using excel spreadsheets |
| Incentives used for increasing response | None |
| Follow-up of non-respondents | By email or telephone |
| Replacement of non-respondents (e.g. if proxy interviewing is employed) | N/A |
| Response rate (ratio of completed "interviews" over total number of eligible enterprises or enterprises of unknown eligibility) | 100% |
| Non-response analysis (if applicable -- also see section 18.5. Data compilation - Weighting and Estimation methods) | N/A |
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: | |
| Other relevant documentation of national methodology in English: | |
| Other relevant documentation of national methodology in the national language: |
18.4. Data validation
N/A
18.5. Data compilation
See below.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
N/A
18.5.2. Data compilation methods
| Data compilation method - Final data (between the survey years) | Mid point |
| Data compilation method - Preliminary data | ask for estimate in survey / annual growth |
18.5.3. Methodology for derivation of R&D coefficients
| National methodology for their derivation. | requested each survey |
| Revision policy for the coefficients | |
| Issues that affect their quality (e.g. date of last update, aggregation level at which they are computed, etc). |
18.5.4. Measurement issues
| Method of derivation of regional data | Address of each institution |
| Coefficients used for estimation of the R&D share of more general expenditure items | |
| Inclusion or exclusion of VAT and provisions for depreciation in the measurement of expenditures | |
| Treatment and calculation of GUF source of funds / separation from “Direct government funds” | |
| Differences between national and Frascati Manual classifications not mentioned above and impact on national statistics |
18.5.5. Weighting and estimation methods
| Description of weighting method | N/A |
| Description of the estimation method | N/A |
18.6. Adjustment
Not requested.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not requested.
Statistics on higher education R&D (HERD) measure research and experimental development (R&D) performed in the higher education 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 higher education sector should consist of all R&D performing institutional units (including all R&D performers – occasional and continuous, known and unknown - in all branches and size classes) belonging to this sector.
The 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 Eurostat’s European Business Statistics Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics(EBS Methodological Manual on R&D Statistics) complements this with guidelines for further harmonisation among EU, EFTA and candidate countries.
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. 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.
16 November 2023
See below.
The statistical unit is the institutional unit as defined by Council Regulation (EEC) No 1993/696 of 15 March 1993, if there are deviations please explain.
See below.
Not requested. R&D statistics cover national and regional data.
2021
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:
1. 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.
2. Non-sampling errors. Non-sampling errors affect sample surveys and complete enumerations alike and comprise:
a) Coverage errors,
b) Measurement errors,
c) Non response errors and
d) Processing errors.
Model assumption errors should be treated under the heading of the respective error they are trying to reduce.
Expenditure in thousands of Euro and personnel in FTE and head count.
See below.
Several separate activities are used for the collection of raw data or pre-compiled administrative data and statistics related to R&D. For simplicity, we call them surveys irrespective of whether they are sample surveys, censuses, collections of administrative data/pre-compiled statistics. This section presents the names of the surveys by sector of performance as well as methodological information for each survey. Depending on the type of survey and sector of performance, only the sections corresponding to that survey and sector are filled in.
Biennial
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.
